Singapore Airlines will launch four-times-weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting 2 June 2026, marking its return to the Saudi capital after a long pause and strengthening air connectivity between Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The new service will be operated using the medium-haul Airbus A350-900 aircraft, configured with 303 seats across two cabin classes — 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class — offering a comfortable travel experience tailored to both business and leisure travellers.
Flight SQ498 from Singapore’s Changi Airport will depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at around 18:20 local time, arriving at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in the late evening, while the return flight SQ499 will leave Riyadh at about 23:00 on the same days. Both are subject to regulatory approvals.
Riyadh will become Singapore Airlines’ second destination in Saudi Arabia, complementing Scoot’s existing route to Jeddah, and reflecting the airline’s broader strategy to deepen its footprint in high-growth markets.
The launch taps into Riyadh’s rising prominence as both a business and cultural hub. As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its Vision 2030 ambitions to diversify its economy and boost tourism, Riyadh has emerged as a destination with historic attractions like Diriyah and Masmak Fortress, world-class museums, luxury hotels, vibrant dining scenes and growing retail offerings that attract international visitors.
By restoring a direct link from Singapore — one of Southeast Asia’s leading air travel and tourism markets — the service is expected to stimulate bilateral tourism, business exchanges and cultural interaction between the regions. The flights will provide travellers with seamless access to Riyadh’s expanding hospitality and attractions, broadening tourism beyond the traditional religious routes often associated with Saudi Arabia.
Tickets are expected to become available progressively through Singapore Airlines’ official booking channels, with the new route likely to attract both corporate travellers and leisure visitors seeking direct connectivity between these fast-growing global cities.
Overall, the new Singapore–Riyadh service marks a notable expansion of Singapore Airlines’ network, enhancing connectivity while supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader goals to welcome more international visitors and strengthen economic ties.
