King Khalid International Airport introduces new AirAsia X route linking Riyadh with Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport

SAUDI ARABIA/THAILAND – King Khalid International Airport, overseen by Riyadh Airports Company, has launched a fresh air connection to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, Thailand, via AirAsia X.

The service began on December 2, operating four weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Enhanced Air Connectivity

This new Riyadh-Bangkok route aligns with Riyadh Airports Company’s vision to bolster global connectivity, contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s aviation program goals.

It aims to expand international air links from Riyadh, facilitating increased travel and tourism flows across key cities worldwide.

Aircraft and Class Features

Flights are operated using Airbus A330 aircraft configured with 285 seats, including 30 lie-flat business class seats and 255 economy seats. This configuration ensures comfort for both business and leisure travelers.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Tourism

AirAsia X representatives highlighted this launch as a milestone in strengthening Saudi-Thai relations. The route offers passengers access to Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, premier shopping experiences, and seamless connections to AirAsia’s extensive ASEAN network, making it a gateway to Southeast Asia.

King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) and AirAsia X Have Pursued Ambitious Expansions to Drive Capacity and Network Growth

King Khalid International Airport’s expansions underscore Riyadh Airports Company’s strategy to position Riyadh as a global aviation hub under Saudi Vision 2030.

Terminal 1’s overhaul, completed January 2025, added 38 check-in counters, 10 self-service kiosks, 26 passport controls, and 24 boarding gates, boosting capacity by millions annually.

A US$107 million Concourse A project, awarded Q2 2025, targets 2.7 million more passengers yearly by 2027, with IC Ictas-Al Rashid JV renovating Terminals 3 and 4 by late 2025.

The mega King Salman International Airport extension—US$30 billion, 57 sq km—prepares for 120 million passengers by 2030, rising to 185 million by 2050 with six runways.

AirAsia X advances its low-cost long-haul model with 14 new aircraft deliveries in 2025: four Airbus directly, 10 from lessors, including A321neo/LR for medium-haul efficiency and A330 optimization.

Thai AirAsia X launched Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Sendai (Japan) December 1, expanding to 10 Japan/South Korea/India/China routes from Bangkok DMK. Central Asia grows via Tashkent (Uzbekistan) October 2025, building on Karachi (Pakistan). These moves enhance ASEAN-Middle East links amid strong demand recovery.

Both align expansions with surging regional travel, elevating connectivity and economic impact.

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