This week, Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, announced a significant expansion to its seasonal network for the third quarter of 2026.
Starting from July 3, the airline will introduce a new direct service between the Kingdom's capital city of Riyadh and the coastal city of Bodrum, Turkey. This strategic addition to Saudia's summer schedule has been designed to facilitate a direct link to the "Turkish Riviera," a destination that has seen a surge in popularity among travellers from the Kingdom seeking high-end leisure and gastronomy experiences along the Aegean Sea.
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The introduction of this direct route to Bodrum follows Saudia’s broader strategy of enhancing its connectivity between major Saudi hubs and global lifestyle destinations. By offering travellers a direct link to Bodrum, the airline is catering to a specific demographic of travellers who prioritise convenience and a regular, summer service to a new destination, with a selection of top-tier resorts.
Anticipating strong demand for the new summer route, Saudia has already implemented a capacity upgrade ahead of the inaugural flight, and is set to deploy its 188-seater A321neo to service this connection. The A321neo is lauded in the aviation industry for its quieter flight profile and enhanced inflight features, aligning with Saudia's commitment to modernising its guest experience across regional and international routes.
Flight Schedule
The seasonal service is scheduled to run for eight weeks, spanning the peak summer window from July 3 to August 31, 2026. Operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, the flights offer convenient timing for weekend retreats or extended summer stays.
The flight schedule is as follows:
- Flight SV241: Departs Riyadh (RUH) at 13:55, arriving in Bodrum (BJV) at 17:45.
- Flight SV240: Departs Bodrum (BJV) at 18:40, arriving back in Riyadh (RUH) at 22:35.
