Jaswant Singh
Singapore Airlines’ announcement of a new four-times-weekly non-stop service between Singapore and Riyadh marks an exciting chapter in the carrier’s expanding global network. Beginning in June 2026, this route will be served with the medium‑haul variant of the airline’s highly regarded Airbus A350‑900, configured to carry 303 passengers across two cabins—40 seats in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class—bringing Singapore’s world‑class hospitality and premium product to the heart of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning capital.
A strategic gateway to opportunity
Riyadh’s emergence as a dynamic regional hub—with ambitious development plans, a robust business environment, and accelerated cultural and tourism investments—makes it a natural fit for Singapore Airlines’ growth strategy. The new SQ498/SQ499 non‑stop pair will operate four times weekly, departing Singapore at 18:20 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and returning from Riyadh at 23:00 on the same days (all times local), subject to regulatory approvals. The link strengthens the connectivity between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, offering a direct, comfortable, and efficient travel option for executives, tourists, expatriates, and pilgrims alike.
Comfort & choice on board
Deploying the medium‑haul A350‑900 highlights SIA’s commitment to providing a refined passenger experience even on relatively shorter long‑haul sectors. The 40 Business Class seats promise generous comfort, privacy, and attentive service synonymous with the carrier’s premium offering, while the roomy 263‑seat Economy cabin ensures that a wider range of travellers can benefit from SIA’s safety record, in-flight cuisine, and hospitality. For business travellers, evening departures and late‑night returns are convenient, enabling productive use of time and seamless connections to onward travel.
Complementing an expanding presence in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh will become the Singapore Airlines Group’s second destination in Saudi Arabia, complementing Scoot’s existing four‑times‑weekly service to Jeddah. This coordinated presence across the Kingdom reflects growing bilateral ties, expanding trade and tourism flows, and increasing demand for travel between Southeast Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. Riyadh, as Saudi Arabia’s administrative and financial centre, is an attractive destination for corporate travellers and investors, while also offering rich cultural and historical attractions—such as Diriyah and Masmak Fortress—plus contemporary draws like world‑class museums, luxury hospitality, and vibrant shopping and dining.
Economic & cultural bridges
The direct Singapore–Riyadh service is more than a new route on a map; it is a bridge fostering commerce, people‑to‑people exchange, and cultural understanding. For Singapore’s corporate community and regional partners, easier access to Riyadh supports trade missions, partnerships, and investment exploration tied to Saudi Vision 2030 and other development initiatives. For travellers, the route unlocks seamless leisure itineraries, from discovering Saudi heritage sites to enjoying modern urban attractions, while providing Saudis straightforward access to Singapore’s business ecosystem, medical services, education hubs, and tourist offerings.
Operational outlook & ticketing
Subject to regulatory approvals, tickets for the Riyadh service will be released progressively through Singapore Airlines’ distribution channels, enabling passengers to plan travel in advance and take advantage of SIA’s frequent flyer benefits, codeshares, and partner networks. The schedule’s predictable four‑times‑weekly cadence supports both short stays and longer business trips, and the use of the A350‑900 underscores SIA’s emphasis on modern fleet utilization, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Singapore Airlines’ launch of non‑stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh is a timely and welcome development that cements stronger ties between Southeast Asia and the Middle East. With a modern A350‑900 cabin configuration, well‑timed services, and SIA’s hallmark service standards, the new route will meet travellers’ needs while supporting business and cultural exchanges. As Riyadh continues to evolve as a global city, this new direct connection promises to become an important artery in the growing network of routes that link people, commerce, and experiences across regions.
