Saudi Arabia is continuing to expand its international aviation footprint with the announcement of a new non-stop route between Riyadh and Tokyo, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing connectivity with East Asia.
The new service, operated by Saudia, will commence in November 2026, offering three weekly flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to the Japanese capital. Tickets are already available through the airline’s digital platforms and authorised travel agents.
The route has been developed in partnership with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), reflecting the increasingly coordinated approach adopted by Saudi Arabia to expand international air access in support of its tourism and economic diversification objectives.
The launch represents more than the addition of another long-haul destination. It establishes the first direct air link between Riyadh and Tokyo, creating a faster gateway for both leisure and business travellers while strengthening commercial ties between two of Asia’s leading economies.
For Saudi Arabia, Japan remains an important strategic partner across a wide range of sectors, including energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and investment. The new connection is expected to facilitate not only business travel but also academic exchanges, cultural cooperation and tourism in both directions.
The Saudi Tourism Authority is already working with Japanese tour operators and travel agencies to develop dedicated itineraries showcasing the Kingdom’s expanding tourism offering. As Saudi Arabia continues to open destinations such as AlUla, the Red Sea, Diriyah, Riyadh and Jeddah Historic District to international visitors, Japan represents a market with growing potential for high-value cultural and experiential tourism.
The route also supports the ambitions set out in the National Aviation Strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. Improved international connectivity remains one of the key pillars of Vision 2030, underpinning wider objectives to diversify the economy, stimulate tourism and facilitate international investment.
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