Singapore Airlines will introduce non-stop services between Singapore and Riyadh from June 2026, expanding air connectivity between Singapore and Saudi Arabia and supporting growing travel demand for business and leisure
Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced it will operate four-times weekly non-stop flights to Riyadh, subject to regulatory approvals. The service will be operated using the medium-haul variant of the Airbus A350-900 aircraft, configured with 303 seats across two cabin classes, comprising 40 Business Class seats and 263 Economy Class seats.
Under the proposed schedule, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore for Riyadh on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1820hrs local time. The return service, SQ499, will depart Riyadh at 2300hrs local time on the same days. SIA said tickets for the new route will be made available progressively through its distribution channels, pending final regulatory clearance.
Commenting on the launch, Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer of Singapore Airlines, said: “Our return to Riyadh comes amid its thriving business environment and ambitious development, which make it one of the Middle East’s most dynamic cities. Beyond a new destination, this service will potentially allow us to work with our partners to offer our customers additional travel options across the region.”
Riyadh will become the SIA Group’s second destination in Saudi Arabia, complementing Scoot’s existing four-times weekly service to Jeddah. Industry observers note that the move aligns with increased travel demand between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, particularly for trade, tourism and labour mobility.
As the capital and administrative centre of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh continues to attract visitors for both business and leisure. Travellers can access heritage sites such as Diriyah and the Masmak Fortress, alongside modern attractions including museums, hotels, and a broad range of retail and dining options. The new service is expected to provide residents, businesses and travellers with additional connectivity options between Singapore and the Kingdom.
