Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, has announced its intention to introduce direct flights between Riyadh and Tokyo, scheduled to commence in November 2026. This new route will operate three times weekly from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, marking a significant expansion in air travel connectivity. The initiative is part of a collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program and the Saudi Tourism Authority, aiming to strengthen travel and tourism relations between the two countries.
The introduction of this route is anticipated to enhance tourism, trade, and business interactions between Saudi Arabia and Japan. By adding another international gateway, the flight path supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a central hub for tourism and logistics on a global scale. The National Aviation Strategy and National Tourism Strategy further align with these objectives, emphasizing the importance of international connectivity.
In conjunction with the new flight service, the Saudi Tourism Authority is working with Japanese partners to create travel packages that highlight Saudi Arabia as an appealing destination for Japanese visitors. This effort is expected to increase the number of tourists from Japan, aligning with the broader strategy to promote the Kingdom as a prime travel destination.
The forthcoming flight connection is also set to facilitate travel ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, which Saudi Arabia will host. This development underscores the country’s dedication to enhancing international travel for major sporting events, strengthening its global connectivity, and showcasing its capacity to host large-scale international gatherings.
Currently, Saudia offers flights to over 100 destinations worldwide and is in the process of expanding its fleet with plans to add 112 new aircraft. This expansion supports the airline’s mission to extend its global reach and improve its service offerings, positioning itself as a key player in international aviation.