In a significant move, Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has unveiled plans to initiate direct flights between Riyadh and Tokyo, set to commence in November 2026. This new route will operate from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and will run three times a week. The initiative is launched in partnership with the Air Connectivity Program and the Saudi Tourism Authority, aiming to enhance international travel links for the Kingdom.
This development is poised to bolster tourism, trade, and business relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, marking a step forward in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve its global connectivity. The introduction of this direct service aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the National Aviation Strategy, and the National Tourism Strategy, all of which are focused on establishing Saudi Arabia as a key player in global tourism and logistics.
The Saudi Tourism Authority is actively engaging with Japanese partners to create travel packages that attract more Japanese visitors to Saudi Arabia. This collaboration is an integral part of the strategy to boost tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations. The new air connection is also timely as it will facilitate travel in anticipation of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, an event that Saudi Arabia is preparing to host.
Currently, Saudia operates flights to over 100 destinations worldwide and is in the process of expanding its fleet with the addition of 112 new aircraft, underscoring its commitment to enhancing its international reach. This expansion is expected to further strengthen the airline’s capacity to support increased travel demand and connect more passengers globally.