Riyadh Air Expands to Southeast Asia with Direct Flights to Kuala Lumpur

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft of Saudi airline Riyadh Air is pictured on the tarmac at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on June 7, 2026. (AFP)
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft of Saudi airline Riyadh Air is pictured on the tarmac at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on June 7, 2026. (AFP)
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Riyadh Air Expands to Southeast Asia with Direct Flights to Kuala Lumpur

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft of Saudi airline Riyadh Air is pictured on the tarmac at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on June 7, 2026. (AFP)
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft of Saudi airline Riyadh Air is pictured on the tarmac at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on June 7, 2026. (AFP)

Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s national carrier and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has launched its inaugural direct flight to Kuala Lumpur, marking its first destination in Southeast Asia.

Operating three weekly direct flights from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the new route enhances air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the ASEAN region, SPA reported.

The expansion aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to position Riyadh as a global aviation hub, driving business, tourism, trade, and education, while providing direct transport for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Malaysia.

Top officials from both nations, including Saudi Ambassador to Malaysia Osama Al-Ahmadi and representatives from Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport and Malaysia Airports, attended the official welcoming ceremony at KLIA.

Executives from both sides highlighted that the route strengthens trade ties, expands Riyadh Air’s regional footprint, and boosts Kuala Lumpur International Airport as a key regional hub.