Fly Jinnah Announces New Islamabad–Dammam Route, Enhancing Connections between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: What It Means for Travellers, Expats and Holiday‑Seekers

Published on December 5, 2025

Fly Jinnah has officially announced its new Islamabad–Dammam route, marking a significant step in enhancing connections between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. This new service, set to begin in December 2025, offers a direct and affordable option for travellers, expats, and holiday‑seekers. For expats, this route provides a much-needed link to their families back in Pakistan, making it easier to visit loved ones. Holiday‑seekers will also benefit from the convenience of a non-stop flight to Dammam, a vibrant city in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. With Fly Jinnah’s commitment to affordable and comfortable travel, the new Islamabad–Dammam route promises to be a game-changer for those looking to travel between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. This service not only strengthens ties between the two countries but also opens up new opportunities for both business and leisure travel.

Fly Jinnah Goes Gulfwards: Route Launch Details

According to industry‑reporting and airline announcements, Fly Jinnah will begin non‑stop services between Islamabad International Airport (ISB) and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (DMM). The service is scheduled to start in December 2025.

The frequency is planned at three flights per week for Islamabad–Dammam. The aircraft type is expected to be an Airbus A320 series (the airline’s usual configuration for economy‑focused regional flights).

This move follows Fly Jinnah’s earlier expansion into Saudi routes such as Jeddah and Riyadh, as well as Gulf and Middle East cities like Sharjah, Muscat and Bahrain — underscoring a major push by the carrier to strengthen international connectivity.

Why Dammam? Strategic Appeal of the Eastern Saudi City

Dammam is the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and stands as a major economic hub — especially due to its proximity to oil, energy and shipping sectors. For travellers, Dammam offers attractive seaside stretches, modern city amenities and maritime‑rich culture. According to Fly Jinnah’s own travel‑info page, Dammam Corniche is a draw for visitors, offering beaches, art installations, and leisure spaces — making it ideal for families and holiday‑goers alike.

For many Pakistani expatriates working in the Eastern Province and for those travelling for business or religious pilgrimage via Saudi Arabia, a direct Islamabad–Dammam link offers convenience and time‑saving compared to alternate flight routings via Jeddah or Riyadh.

Impact on Pakistani Expatriates, Families and Pilgrims

There is a substantial Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia, many based in or near Dammam because of job opportunities in oil, shipping, construction and related sectors. Fly Jinnah’s new route could significantly ease travel for expatriate workers returning home, especially during holidays or family emergencies.

At the same time, for families living between Islamabad area and Saudi Arabia, this direct flight offers a hassle‑free connection. Shorter travel times and fewer stopovers can make a big difference — particularly for children, elderly travellers or those seeking comfort on budget‑conscious fares.

Moreover, for travellers heading on religious pilgrimage (Umrah or Hajj) via Saudi Arabia, Dammam can act as a convenient entry point. From Dammam, onward domestic travel to holy cities like Makkah or Medina can be arranged, offering a smoother logistics option.

What Fly Jinnah Offers: Comfort, Fares, and Expanded Network

Fly Jinnah is a relatively young airline: it began operations in late October 2022, when it first connected Karachi and Islamabad. Since then it has steadily grown both domestically and internationally.

The airline advertises a value‑driven travel experience: generous seat pitch even in economy class, onboard “SkyCafe” meals and snacks, and a complimentary “SkyTime” in‑flight entertainment streaming service for personal devices — aiming to combine affordability with comfort.

For travellers, that means the new Islamabad–Dammam route could offer a cost‑effective but comfortable path between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Beyond Dammam, Fly Jinnah’s growing international map already includes Gulf destinations like Sharjah, Muscat, Bahrain and Dubai (via Lahore), and multiple Saudi cities including Jeddah and Riyadh.

Broader Significance: Air Connectivity, Economy, and Cultural Links

This new route underlines a broader shift in air travel patterns: private, low‑cost carriers like Fly Jinnah are stepping up to fill demand in international traffic corridors between Pakistan and the Gulf. Historically dominated by larger or national airlines, the market is seeing more competition and flexibility — which can translate to lower fares and more choices for travellers.

For the economies of both nations, stronger air links foster trade, business travel, and cultural exchange. Many Pakistani small and medium enterprises deal with Gulf‑based clients; easier, regular flights can help entrepreneurs, business travellers and investors access both markets.

For expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia who send remittances back home, smoother travel helps them visit family more often — supporting social and family bonds across borders.

Tourism and leisure travel could also see growth: for Saudis or other Gulf‑residents curious about Pakistan’s cities, landscapes or culture — and vice versa for Pakistanis exploring Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province — the new route can unlock fresh routes for exploration.

What Travellers Should Know: Booking, Timings, and Expectations

Fly Jinnah has enabled booking through its official website, call centre, or via travel agents. Fly Jinnah+1

Since the route is new, it would be prudent for early travellers to confirm flight schedules and allowances — especially luggage policies, as Middle East flights with budget carriers often enforce stricter baggage norms than full‑service airlines.

Given the airline’s standard of economy‑class comfort (good seat pitch, in‑flight entertainment, onboard meals) — the new service can serve both price‑conscious travellers and those seeking convenience without extravagance.

Those travelling for tourism in Dammam might plan to visit the Dammam Corniche for seaside vistas, strolling along beaches and waterfront installations; while from Islamabad, travellers can explore Pakistan’s capital city, its heritage, urban culture and local markets before or after their Gulf trip.

Challenges and Considerations

As with any new international route by a budget airline, there may be teething issues. Flight punctuality, ground‑handling at busy hubs, immigration wait times, and baggage handling could pose challenges — especially during peak seasons when many expatriates travel home.

Also, while the airline aims to provide value, passengers looking for business‑class amenities or luxury services may find the economy‑only configuration limiting.

Finally, competition across airlines will matter. As other airlines also add Gulf routes, fare wars may benefit travellers — but consistency, reliability and overall service quality will determine which carriers eventually win traveller trust.

What This Means for Pakistan–Saudi Travel in 2025 and Beyond

Fly Jinnah’s Islamabad–Dammam launch reflects a broader trend: increasing demand for direct, affordable travel between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — driven by expatriate communities, economic ties, religious pilgrimage and tourism interest. As more low‑cost carriers expand Gulf‑facing networks, air travel could become democratized and more accessible to middle‑income travellers.

This could encourage more frequent short‑term visits, enabling families to stay connected across borders, workers to travel home more often, and new business or tourism opportunities to flourish — across cities like Islamabad and Dammam.

If Fly Jinnah manages to maintain a reliable schedule and consistent service, this route might quickly become one of the preferred links between Pakistan’s capital region and Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Final Thoughts: A New Air Link, A New Hope

For many travellers, this Islamabad–Dammam route is more than just another flight path — it is a bridge between homes, families, jobs and dreams. For those longing to reunite with loved ones across borders, to pursue opportunities in the Gulf, or to explore new destinations, this flight could become that long‑awaited lifeline. With reasonable fares, workable comfort, and growing connectivity, Fly Jinnah’s new service offers a fresh chance — one that could reshape how Pakistanis and Saudis travel, connect, and live.

Source and Image Credit: Fly Jinnah, Centre For Aviation