Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to expand its Middle East network with the launch of four-times weekly non-stop flights between Singapore (SIN) and Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia, beginning in June 2026. The new service marks the airline’s return to the Saudi capital and reflects growing demand for direct connectivity between Southeast Asia and the Kingdom, driven by business, tourism, and economic cooperation.
The Singapore–Riyadh route will be operated using the medium-haul variant of the Airbus A350-900, a modern widebody aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft will be configured with a total of 303 seats across two cabin classes, including 40 seats in Business Class and 263 seats in Economy Class. This configuration is designed to cater to both premium and leisure travelers, offering a balance of comfort and capacity on the medium-haul sector.
Subject to regulatory approvals, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore for Riyadh every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1820H local time. The return service, flight SQ499, will operate on the same days, departing Riyadh at 2300H local time and arriving in Singapore the following day. These flight timings are expected to provide convenient connections to Singapore Airlines’ extensive network across Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, and beyond.
The launch of Riyadh services highlights Singapore Airlines’ strategic focus on strengthening its presence in the Middle East amid the region’s rapid economic growth. Riyadh, in particular, has emerged as one of the most dynamic cities in the Middle East, supported by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 development agenda, which aims to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment, and boost tourism. The new route is also expected to open opportunities for partnerships that could further enhance travel options across the region for SIA customers.
With the addition of Riyadh, the SIA Group will serve two destinations in Saudi Arabia. The new service will complement Scoot’s existing four-times weekly flights between Singapore and Jeddah (JED), providing travelers with greater flexibility and improved access to key cities in the Kingdom. Together, these routes strengthen the group’s footprint in the Saudi market and support growing travel demand between Asia and the Middle East.
As the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh serves as the Kingdom’s administrative and financial hub. The city offers a mix of heritage and modern attractions, from historic landmarks such as Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Masmak Fortress, to contemporary developments featuring world-class museums, luxury hotels, and a diverse selection of shopping and dining options. Riyadh’s expanding cultural, entertainment, and business landscape has increasingly positioned it as a major destination for international visitors.
Subject to regulatory approvals, tickets for Singapore Airlines’ Singapore–Riyadh flights will be made available progressively through the airline’s distribution channels. The new non-stop service is expected to enhance connectivity, support trade and tourism links, and provide travelers with a seamless and efficient travel option between Singapore and Saudi Arabia.