Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to launch nonstop flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting in June. This new route is still pending regulatory approval. The airline will use its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which has 303 seats—40 in business class and 263 in economy class.
The flights, designated as SQ498, will leave Singapore at 6:20 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The return flight, SQ499, will take off from Riyadh at 11 PM local time on the same days.
SIA currently serves Jeddah four times a week through its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot. Riyadh will be its second destination in Saudi Arabia, signaling a return after halting its flights there in September 2014 due to poor performance.
Lee Lik Hsin, the airline’s chief commercial officer, mentioned that this return to Riyadh will enhance travel options for customers. He sees great potential for collaboration with local partners.
Interestingly, a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows a rise in passenger demand in the Middle East. Traffic in the region has surged by 84% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This booming demand may indicate a favorable environment for new routes, making SIA’s decision timely.
As SIA re-establishes this route, it’s worth noting how air travel patterns have changed. In the past, locations like Riyadh faced significant volume fluctuations. Today’s travelers are often looking for more direct routes, making this new flight particularly appealing.
Once regulatory approvals are secured, tickets will become available for purchase via the airline’s outlets.
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