Saudi Arabia, Singapore Airlines sign pact for new direct Riyadh route

SINGAPORE/SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Singapore Airlines to launch the first direct air route linking Singapore and Riyadh.

The new service, witnessed by high-level transport officials from both nations, is scheduled to commence in June 2026 with four weekly flights, significantly enhancing tourism and trade connectivity between the two countries.

A Strategic Link to Boost Tourism and Trade

The agreement, signed during the Changi Aviation Summit 2026, aims to bolster air connectivity and support growing tourism and trade flows.

The new route will connect Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN) with King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, operating Airbus A350-900 aircraft with a seating capacity of 303 per flight.

This provides an annual capacity of 126,048 seats, directly expanding air services between the Kingdom and Southeast Asia.

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and ACP Chairman, stated the agreement represents a qualitative addition to the international route network and reflects the deep partnership between the two nations’ aviation sectors.

Catalyst for Tourism and Business Exchange

For Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism and hospitality sector, this direct link is a critical development.

It creates a seamless travel corridor from a major Southeast Asian hub, simplifying access for Singaporean and regional tourists to explore Saudi destinations under the evolving “Saudi Seasons” tourism calendar.

Conversely, it facilitates travel for Saudi visitors to Singapore, a leading global tourism and business destination.

The reliable, high-capacity service provided by a premium carrier like Singapore Airlines elevates the travel experience, catering to both leisure tourists and the business travel segment essential for economic diversification under Vision 2030.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Position as an Aviation Hub

Beyond point-to-point travel, the route strategically reinforces Riyadh’s ambition to become a leading regional aviation hub.

By adding a flagship carrier from a globally connected airport like Changi, the Kingdom enhances its network’s attractiveness for transfer passengers.

This partnership is a tangible outcome of the Air Connectivity Program’s mandate to develop strategic international routes that support the national tourism strategy.

It signals to the global aviation market Saudi Arabia’s active and successful pursuit of partnerships to expand its global links, directly feeding the hospitality sector with increased international arrivals and supporting the broader economic transformation.

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