KEY POINTS
- Singapore Airlines will introduce non-stop services linking Singapore Changi Airport and Riyadh four times a week from June 2026.
- The route will be operated with Airbus A350-900 aircraft offering Business and Economy cabins.
- Riyadh becomes SIA’s second destination in Saudi Arabia, complementing existing services to Jeddah.
Singapore Airlines has confirmed plans to launch new non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, beginning in June 2026, marking a direct air link between the Southeast Asian aviation hub and the Saudi capital. The service announcement follows regulatory submissions and reflects growing demand for convenient connectivity between the two cities, both key business and cultural centres in their respective regions.
Scheduled to operate four times per week, the Riyadh route is slated to feature flight SQ498 departing Singapore Changi Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with a return service, SQ499, operating from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on the same days. This direct connection will eliminate the need for intermediate stops, offering passengers a streamlined travel option between the two cities.
Singapore Airlines plans to deploy its medium-haul variant of the Airbus A350-900 on the route, an aircraft configured with approximately 303 seats across Business and Economy cabins. This aircraft type combines fuel efficiency with passenger comfort and has become a workhorse for SIA’s long-distance services.
Riyadh’s inclusion in Singapore Airlines’ global network comes as the airline seeks to expand its footprint in the Middle East and meet rising travel demand from both business and leisure passengers. The Saudi capital has attracted significant international attention due to its rapid economic growth, urban development projects and expanding tourism offerings, making it an increasingly important destination for international carriers.
The new service will complement Singapore Airlines’ existing presence in Saudi Arabia, where the carrier’s sister airline Scoot already operates flights to Jeddah. Together, these routes strengthen air connectivity between Singapore and key Saudi destinations, supporting bilateral travel for business, tourism and cultural exchange.
Riyadh is home to historic landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed old town of Diriyah and the 19th-century Masmak Fortress, alongside modern museums, luxury hotels and shopping districts. These attractions, combined with the city’s status as a financial and administrative hub, contribute to a broader appeal for international travellers exploring Saudi Arabia.
Industry analysts say direct flights like Singapore Airlines’ new Riyadh service reflect ongoing shifts in global aviation, where carriers are increasingly linking dynamic cities to foster economic and cultural connectivity. Non-stop routes reduce travel time, improve scheduling flexibility and often stimulate business ties between regions previously underserved by direct air links.
Travel agents and aviation observers note that the launch of the service could boost tourism and corporate travel between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Easier access to Riyadh may encourage more visitors to experience Saudi Arabia’s growing cultural and leisure offerings, as well as expand opportunities for regional commercial collaborations.
Subject to final regulatory approvals, Singapore Airlines plans to make tickets available through its distribution channels in the months leading up to the launch. Passengers will be able to book travel on the new direct route, with the airline emphasising its commitment to service quality and connectivity enhancements.
The Riyadh service represents a strategic expansion for Singapore Airlines as it continues to rebuild and extend its post-pandemic network. By offering direct non-stop operations to key international hubs, the airline is positioning itself to better serve evolving travel patterns and sustained demand for efficient long-haul journeys across continents.
