Riyadh Air's new direct service between Riyadh and Bangkok set to increase to daily flights from November 9, 2026.
The Saudi national carrier launched the non-stop route on September 2, connecting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. The service initially began operations this month with a three times weekly schedule, but this is set to increase to a daily service from November.
Moving to daily operations
Riyadh Air launched this direct route between Riyadh and Bangkok in early September, with an initial schedule of three flights weekly. From November 9, this direct service will extend to a daily schedule. The new daily route is operated by Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, one of the aircraft forming the foundation of the airline’s long-haul fleet.
The route currently operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Riyadh, with the return service operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Bangkok. From November 9, the service is scheduled to operate daily, giving travellers greater flexibility when planning a trip between Saudi Arabia and Thailand.
The outbound service from Riyadh departs King Khalid International Airport at 10.15pm and arrives at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 9.35am the following morning, local time. The return flight departs Bangkok at 4.55pm and arrives in Riyadh at 8.15pm. The published schedule gives the journey a flight time of approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes in the outbound direction.
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Do Saudi passport holders need a visa? TLDR: No
In March 2022, Saudi Arabia officially lifted its 32-year travel ban prohibiting Saudi citizens from traveling to Thailand.
Up until September 15, 2026 Saudi citizens can travel to Thailand visa-free for tourism, enjoying up to 60 days of stay upon arrival with a valid passport and a completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) submitted online before departure. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Bangkok, exploring the vibrant culture, tropical beaches, and world-class dining of Thailand has never been easier. From September 15, Thailand's immigration services will transition Saudi Arabian passport holders its default visa-free entry period to 30 days, though an additional 30-day extension can still be obtained locally at immigration.
A growing Southeast Asian network
Bangkok marks an important step in Riyadh Air’s expansion across Asia. The airline has been steadily adding destinations since beginning commercial operations in 2026, with its network now extending across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The Bangkok service follows Riyadh Air’s launch of Kuala Lumpur flights in July, establishing its first gateway into Southeast Asia, while the airline has also added destinations including Mumbai, Dhaka, Manila, Islamabad and Lahore to its growing network.
The Thai capital also acts as a gateway to the country's wider tourism offering, from the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui to northern destinations such as Chiang Mai. For Saudi travellers, the direct route also provides easier access to one of Southeast Asia’s most established city destinations, with Bangkok offering a combination of luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions.
For travellers coming in the opposite direction, Riyadh provides direct access to Saudi Arabia’s capital and its expanding cultural, entertainment and business offering. The route also gives Bangkok-based travellers the option of connecting onwards through Riyadh to destinations across Riyadh Air’s wider network.
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Riyadh Air's direct flights between Riyadh and Bangkok will move to a daily schedule from November 9, 2026
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