Singapore Airlines strengthens Saudi Arabia presence with new direct link to Riyadh alongside existing Jeddah services
(IN SHORT) Singapore Airlines will launch four-times weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh in June 2026 using its medium-haul Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured with 40 Business Class and 263 Economy Class seats, subject to regulatory approvals. The new service, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, marks SIA’s return to the Saudi capital and complements Scoot’s existing flights to Jeddah, strengthening the SIA Group’s presence in the Kingdom. The airline highlighted Riyadh’s growing economic importance and tourism appeal, while confirming that tickets will go on sale progressively through its distribution channels, with detailed seasonal schedules outlined for both summer and winter 2026–2027.
(PRESS RELEASE) SINGAPORE, 2026-Feb-2 — /Travel PR News/ — Singapore Airlines (SIA) has confirmed plans to introduce a new non-stop service between Singapore and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, beginning in June 2026, with flights operating four times per week. The carrier will deploy the medium-haul configuration of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the route, featuring a two-class cabin layout with 40 Business Class seats and 263 Economy Class seats, for a total of 303 seats.
Pending the necessary regulatory clearances, flight SQ498 is scheduled to depart Singapore on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 6:20 p.m. local time, arriving in Riyadh later the same evening. The return service, SQ499, will operate on the same days, departing Riyadh at 11:00 p.m. local time for an overnight journey back to Singapore. Detailed scheduling information is provided in Annexe A.
Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer of Singapore Airlines, said that the airline’s return to Riyadh aligns with the city’s rapid economic growth and evolving role as a key business hub in the Middle East. He noted that beyond adding a new destination to SIA’s network, the service could create opportunities to collaborate with regional partners and expand onward travel options for customers.
Riyadh will become the second destination served by the SIA Group in Saudi Arabia, complementing Scoot’s existing four-times weekly flights to Jeddah.
As the capital of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s political and financial centre, Riyadh offers a mix of cultural, historical, and modern attractions. Visitors can explore heritage sites such as Diriyah and the Masmak Fortress, alongside contemporary museums, luxury accommodations, and a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences.
Subject to final regulatory approval, tickets for Singapore Airlines’ new Riyadh services will be made available progressively through the airline’s sales channels.
According to the flight schedule outlined in Annexe A, SIA’s inaugural Singapore–Riyadh flight is set to commence on 2 June 2026, with the Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft operating four weekly services. Flight times will vary slightly between the period of 2 June to 24 October 2026 and the subsequent winter schedule from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027, while maintaining the same operating days and aircraft type throughout both seasons.
Media contact:
public_affairs@singaporeair.com.sg
SOURCE: Singapore Airlines
