Say goodbye to long layovers and stressful airport dashes, direct flights offer a seamless and stress-free travel experience - and with almost a dozen new routes between Saudi and various destination around the world, direct travel just got a little more exciting.
With summer in full swing, maybe you're thinking about planning your next vacation? Despite being perfectly positioned in the middle of the world and intersecting most long-haul routes, even here in the Middle East international travel can mean travel itineraries that include multiple stopovers. And for those not wanting to spend hours upon hours travelling or sitting waiting in various airports, this is the listing for you - these are the newest direct flights, to the hottest international destinations, straight from Saudi Arabia.
Whether you're looking to travel locally or are feeling a little more adventurous, here are some new, direct routes connecting Saudi Arabia with a number of destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Cebu Pacific: Manila & Riyadh
Direct flights between Riyadh and Manila will soon be launched by the Philippines' largest low-cost carrier as it grows its operations in the Middle East. Riyadh was last served by the airline until July 2017. The airline announced a schedule of four weekly flights, detailing specific departure days for each direction: Riyadh to Manila services will run every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while Manila to Riyadh flights will depart on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
From March 1, 2026
Manila (MNL) to Riyadh (RUH) - 5J740 - Depart 22:50 > Arrive 04:25 [+1] (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Riyadh (RUH) to Manila (MNL) - 5J741 - Depart 05:55 > Arrive 20:45 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
Ethiopian Airlines: Addis Ababa & Jizan
Extending the range of Ethiopian Airlines flights across the Kingdom, this new flight connecting Addis Ababa and Jizan will be the airline's fifth direct route in service. Jizan, in the Jazan provinces is renowned for its greenery and rich agricultural heritage.
From February 1, 2026
Addis Ababa (ADD) to Jizan (GIZ) - ET446 - Depart 23:45 > Arrive 02:15 [+1] (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
Jizan (GIZ) to Addis Ababa (ADD) - ET467 - Depart 03:40 > Arrive 05:55 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Flyadeal: Milan & Riyadh
The latest addition to the Kingdom's direct flight network is the newly launched direct connection between the Kingdom's capital city of Riyadh and Italy's design capital of Milan — courtesy of the low-cost national carrier, Flyadeal. This newly announced route invites Saudi travellers, whether visiting for business or pleasure to enjoy the allure of northern Italy. Likewise, Italian visitors will find a smoother journey into Saudi Arabia’s capital to explore the city's cultural and historical core. This route will operate three times weekly from July 2, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
From July 2, 2026
Milan Bergamo (BGY) to Riyadh (RUH) - F3586 - Depart 14:00 > Arrive 20:55 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
Riyadh (RUH) to Milan Bergamo (BGY) - F3585 - Depart 07:45 > Arrive 13:00 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
Flyadeal: Milan & Jeddah
Another new route for the summer season, Flyadeal will connect travellers with Milan via Bergamo Airport three times a week, from July. The Kingdom's low cost airline direct link will open up both cities to travellers seeking to explore a new destination, discover culture and enjoy an escape. This route will operate three times weekly from July 1, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
From July 1, 2026
Milan Il Caravaggio International Airport - Bergamo (BGY) to Jeddah (JED) - F3820 - Depart 13:40 > Arrive 20:05 (Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays)
Jeddah (JED) to Milan Il Caravaggio International Airport - Bergamo (BGY) - F3819 - Depart 08:00 > Arrive 12:40 (Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays)
Flynas: Rabat & Jeddah
This July, Flynas will become the first Saudi Arabian airline to service a direct route between Jeddah and Rabat, operating one weekly flight to link the two cities. With a duration time of just over 7 hours and 25 minutes, this new connection is expected to significantly ease travel for both business passengers and pilgrims, while further expanding the low-cost carrier's growing footprint across North Africa. In January, Flynas celebrated 3 years of operating flights between Jeddah and Casablanca.
From July 4, 2026
Rabat (RBA) - Jeddah (JED) - XY 672 - Depart 21:05 > Arrive 05:15 [+1] (Saturday)
Jeddah (JED) - Rabat (RBA) - XY 671 - Depart 13:55 > Arrive 19:20 (Saturday)
Flynas: Male & Riyadh
A route last operated by the airline in 2023, the relaunch of flights to the Maldives, a destination famous for its high-end resorts, scuba diving, and honeymooners, showcases the expanding network of Saudi's low cost carrier. Flynas is stepping up to challenge major international airlines on premium, long-haul vacation routes, offering a more affordable option for those seeking a serene island escape. These new direct, seasonal routes are slated to run from June 20, to October 24, 2026, operating three flights per week on Airbus A320neo aircraft.
From June 20, 2026
Male (MLE) - Riyadh (RUH) - XY246 - Depart 13:55 > Arrive 17:55 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
Riyadh (RUH) - Male (MLE) - XY245 - Depart 05:00 > Arrive 12:55 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
Flynas: Rome & Riyadh
Starting at the end of June, Saudi's low cost carrier, Flynas will connect the vibrant cultural hubs of Riyadh and Rome with a highly anticipated direct service. This new summer route offers travellers a seamless link to Europe, making the historic Italian capital more accessible than ever. The service is expected to be an incredibly popular seasonal option for vacationers looking to explore the continent.
From June 24, 2026
Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Riyadh (RUH) - XY364 - Depart 11.45 > Arrive 17.45 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)
Riyadh (RUH) to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) - XY363 - Depart 06:15 > Arrive 10.45 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)
Flynas: Munich & Riyadh
Low-cost local airline, Flynas is set to operate three direct weekly flights between Riyadh and the German city of Munich. This new schedule provides travellers with a seamless, budget-friendly connection to Germany's major Bavarian economic and cultural hub. By adding this regular service, the airline aims to satisfy the increasing demand for both leisure tourism and business travel between the two cities.
From June 24, 2026
Franz Josef Strauss Airport Munich (MUN) to Riyadh (RUH) - XY394 - Depart 10.40 > Arrive 17.20 (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Riyadh (RUH) to Franz Josef Strauss Airport Munich (MUN) - XY393 - Depart 05.10 > Arrive 09.50 (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Flynas: Budapest & Riyadh
As part of its newly unveiled summer schedule, Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas is introducing a direct route connecting Riyadh with the Hungarian capital of Budapest. This seasonal service will offer travellers a convenient and budget-friendly gateway into the heart of Central Europe just in time for the peak holiday season. By bridging these two cities, the airline aims to tap into the growing demand for new, culturally rich European vacation destinations.
From June 26, 2026
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) to Riyadh (RUH) - XY369 - Depart 06.40 > Arrive 10.40 (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Riyadh (RUH) to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) - XY370 - Depart 10.40 > Arrive 17.20 (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Riyadh Air: London & Riyadh
Finally! The wait is officially over as Riyadh Air prepares to take to the skies this July, with public bookings now live for the Kingdom’s highly anticipated newest flagship carrier. Although more than 15 exciting global destinations have been officially confirmed for the airline's network, the very first tickets available for purchase will connect Riyadh directly with London’s Heathrow Airport. Operated exclusively on the airline's state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, this premier daily service is slated to become a flagship aviation corridor for both business and luxury travellers alike. This inaugural route marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for Saudi aviation, setting a premium benchmark for global travel.
From June 10, 2026 (Originally slated for July 1)
London Heathrow (LHR) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX 401 - Depart 09:35 > Arrive 18:35 (Daily)
Riyadh (RUH) - London Heathrow (LHR) - RX 401 - Depart 02:35 > Arrive 07:30 (Daily)
Read more about how to buy tickets for Riyadh Air's inaugural route, right here
Riyadh Air: Jeddah & Riyadh
Riyadh Air will officially link the Kingdom’s two primary economic centres starting June 14, launching a twice-daily service between Riyadh and Jeddah. To accommodate high-traffic passenger volume, the national carrier will increase frequency to three times daily on June 18, culminating in a robust schedule of four flights a day by July 2.
From June 14, 2026
Riyadh (RUH) - Jeddah (JED) - RX009 - Depart 07:05 > Arrive 08:55 (Daily)
Riyadh (RUH) - Jeddah (JED) - RX011 - Depart 09:00 > Arrive 10:50 (Daily)
Riyadh (RUH) - Jeddah (JED) - RX017 - Depart 12:45 > Arrive 14:35 (Daily)
Riyadh (RUH) - Jeddah (JED) - RX027 - Depart 19:40 > Arrive 21:30 (Daily)
Jeddah (JED) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX010 - Depart 10:10 > Arrive 11:55 (Daily)
Jeddah (JED) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX012 - Depart 12: 05 > Arrive 13: 50 (Daily)
Jeddah (JED) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX018 - Depart 15:50 > Arrive 17:35 (Daily)
Jeddah (JED) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX028 - Depart 22:45 > Arrive 00:30 [+1] (Daily)
Riyadh Air: Dubai & Riyadh
Marking the third live route for Riyadh Air, the newest Saudi national carrier will connect Dubai with the Kingdom’s capital starting from June 18. Serviced by the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, this daily flight promises an unmatched level of comfort for both business and leisure travellers.
From June 18, 2026
Riyadh (RUH) - Dubai International Airport (DXB) - RX243 - Depart 14:05 > Arrive 17:00 (Daily)
Dubai International Airport (DXB) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX244 - Depart 18:30 > Arrive 19:20 (Daily)
Riyadh Air: Cairo & Riyadh
As one of the foundational routes announced by Riyadh Air, alongside London and Dubai, this new route anchored Riyadh Air’s global launch. The direct flight connection between the Saudi capital and Cairo will operate on a daily basis. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or family, passengers can now experience a new era of daily luxury bridging these two historic capitals.
From June 25, 2026
Riyadh (RUH) - Cairo (CAI) - RX331 - Depart 16:10 > Arrive 18:55 (Daily)
Cairo (CAI) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX332 - Depart 20:25 > Arrive 23:00 (Daily)
Riyadh Air: Madrid & Riyadh
Perfectly timed for the summer holiday season, Riyadh Air will launch a direct route between Riyadh and Madrid starting July 17. Set to operate four times weekly, the new service ensures that traveling to the heart of Europe has never been more seamless. Passengers on this route will be able to effortlessly transition from the Kingdom to Spain’s vibrant capital while enjoying the airline's signature next-generation cabin hospitality.
From July 17, 2026
Riyadh (RUH) – Madrid (MAD) - RX531 - Depart 02:00 > Arrive 07:55 [+1]
Madrid (MAD) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX532 - Depart 10:05 > Arrive 17:20
Riyadh Air: Manchester & Riyadh
An intriguing addition to Riyadh Air's initial launch network is Manchester. Slated to take to the skies on July 23, this direct flight route will operate three times weekly, seamlessly connecting the two cities for both business and leisure travellers. Passengers can expect an unparalleled onboard experience, utilising the airline's cutting-edge Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to turn the long-haul journey into a relaxing sanctuary.
From July 23, 2026
Riyadh (RUH) - Manchester (MAN) - RX417 - Depart 01:30 > Arrive 06:40
Machester (MAN) - Riyadh (RUH) - RX418 - Depart 08:40 > Arrive 17:20
Oman Air: Muscat & Taif
This new direct route connecting the Omani capital city of Muscat with the naturally beautiful Taif, will mark Oman Air's fifth Saudi Arabian route. Slated to take off from January 31, 2026, this new route between Muscat and Taif will operate three times weekly, although the days of operation are yet to be confirmed.
From January 31, 2026
Muscat (MCT) - Taif (TIF) - WY699 - Depart 13:30 > Arrive 15:50
Taif (TIF) - Muscat (MCT) - WY700 - Depart 16:40 > Arrive 20:35
