Starting in November 2026, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, will initiate direct flights between Riyadh and Tokyo, linking the two cities with three weekly flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This strategic move is a part of a partnership with the Air Connectivity Program and the Saudi Tourism Authority, designed to strengthen tourism and travel connections.
The introduction of this route is anticipated to enhance tourism, trade, and business interactions between Saudi Arabia and Japan. By establishing another international access point, the route aims to facilitate entry into the Kingdom, which aligns with the expansive goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This vision, alongside the National Aviation Strategy and National Tourism Strategy, is focused on transforming Saudi Arabia into a central global hub for tourism and logistics.
As part of efforts to attract more Japanese visitors, the Saudi Tourism Authority is working closely with partners in Japan to craft travel packages that showcase the Kingdom as a compelling destination. This approach is intended to complement the new flight route and stimulate an increase in the number of tourists arriving from Japan.
Additionally, the planned flight route is expected to simplify travel arrangements in the lead-up to the AFC Asian Cup 2027, which will take place in Saudi Arabia. This initiative highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to improving international travel options for significant sporting events and boosting its global connectivity.
Saudia currently operates flights to more than 100 destinations globally. In line with its expansion plans, the airline is set to add 112 new aircraft to its fleet, reinforcing its objective to extend its global reach and enhance the quality of its services worldwide.
