Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, has revealed plans to commence direct flights linking Riyadh with Tokyo starting November 2026. This new service is set to operate three times a week from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, marking a significant collaboration between the airline, the Air Connectivity Program, and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
This strategic route is designed to bolster tourism, trade, and business connections between Saudi Arabia and Japan, while also enhancing the Kingdom’s accessibility on the global stage. The initiative aligns with key components of Saudi Vision 2030, as well as the National Aviation Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy, all of which aim to transform Saudi Arabia into a premier destination for tourism and logistics.
Efforts to promote this new route are already underway, with the Saudi Tourism Authority actively engaging with partners in Japan to develop appealing travel packages that encourage Japanese tourists to explore the Kingdom. This initiative is expected not only to increase visitor numbers but also to foster cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Additionally, Saudia’s new direct flights to Tokyo will play a crucial role in facilitating travel ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, an event that Saudi Arabia is poised to host. This comes as the airline continues its expansion by adding 112 new aircraft to its fleet, further enhancing its capacity to serve a growing network of over 100 destinations worldwide.