Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, Saudia, launched its first-ever flights from Riyadh to Russia on October 10, with three weekly flights.
The launch of the first Riyadh–Moscow and the inaugural flight in the opposite direction coincides with the inaugural Russian-Arab Summit.
Moscow has marked the occasion with a prestigious celebration themed “Wings of Connection,” according to Al Eqtisadiah.
In 2024, Russia welcomed 52,400 Saudi tourists, a more than fivefold increase compared to 2023, Gulf News reported.
In line with the Saudi Vision 2030, Saudia seeks to expand its global network to over 140 international destinations, building on its fleet of 149 aircraft and current service to 100 destinations around the world.
#Saudia celebrates the inauguration of its direct flights between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation at @KKIASA under the theme #WingsOfConnection pic.twitter.com/EYGTb7VD6e
— Saudia Group | مجموعة السعودية (@SaudiaGroup) October 10, 2025
Interestingly, the national carrier is set to broaden its fleet with 116 new aircraft in the coming years, as part of its ambitious objective to reach 330 million passengers by 2030.
Saudia also aims to attract 150 million tourists to attend sporting and entertainment events and explore the Kingdom’s extraordinary destinations and vibrant cultural heritage.
As part of its broader tourism and mobility strategy, the carrier is currently intensifying its efforts to transport 30 million Umrah pilgrims and boost religious tourism.
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