In a significant development for international aviation, Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, is set to commence direct flights between Riyadh and Tokyo starting November 2026. This new route will feature three weekly flights originating from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The initiative is being launched in collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program and the Saudi Tourism Authority, with the aim of enhancing connections between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
This strategic move is expected to bolster tourism, trade, and business engagements between the two nations, while also increasing global access to Saudi Arabia. The new service aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, as well as the National Aviation Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy, all of which are focused on establishing Saudi Arabia as a pivotal global tourism and logistics hub.
Beyond improving bilateral relations, the Saudi Tourism Authority is actively collaborating with Japanese partners to promote travel packages, aiming to attract more Japanese tourists to the Kingdom. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries.
Moreover, the introduction of this direct route is poised to facilitate travel in anticipation of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, which Saudi Arabia will be hosting. The airline’s expansion is not limited to new routes; it also involves the growth of its fleet, with the addition of 112 new aircraft, thereby extending its reach to over 100 destinations worldwide.