Singapore Airlines Riyadh service will commence in June 2026, marking a significant expansion of the airline’s Middle East network. The award-winning carrier announced today that it will launch four-times weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and the Saudi capital, operating the medium-haul variant of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured with 303 seats across two cabin classes.
Subject to regulatory approvals, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore for Riyadh on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1820hrs local time. The return flight, SQ499, will depart Riyadh for Singapore on the same days at 2300hrs local time, arriving the following day at 1215hrs. The aircraft features 40 Business Class seats and 263 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for all passengers.
Strategic Expansion into Saudi Arabia’s Capital
Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer at Singapore Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of this new route during the announcement.
“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.”
Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Riyadh Route Details
The inaugural Singapore Airlines Riyadh flight will take off on June 2, 2026, with two distinct seasonal schedules. From June 2 to October 24, 2026, the outbound flight will depart at 1820hrs, arriving at 2145hrs. The winter schedule, running from October 25, 2026 to March 27, 2027, will see slightly adjusted timings with departure at 1740hrs and arrival at 2135hrs.
Riyadh will become the SIA Group’s second destination in Saudi Arabia, complementing Scoot’s existing four-times weekly service to Jeddah. This dual-city approach strengthens the airline group’s presence in the Kingdom and provides travelers with enhanced connectivity options.
Discovering Riyadh: A Modern Metropolis
As Saudi Arabia’s capital and the Kingdom’s administrative and financial center, Riyadh offers visitors a compelling blend of heritage and modernity. The city has undergone remarkable transformation as part of Saudi Vision 2030, emerging as one of the region’s most vibrant business and tourism destinations.
Travelers can explore historic landmarks including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Saudi royal family, and the iconic Masmak Fortress, which played a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s history. The city also boasts world-class museums, luxury hotels, upscale shopping destinations, and an increasingly diverse culinary scene that reflects both traditional Saudi hospitality and international influences.
Booking and Availability
Subject to regulatory approvals, tickets for the new Singapore Airlines Riyadh services will be released progressively through the airline’s various distribution channels, including its official website, mobile app, and authorized travel agents. Passengers are advised to check the Singapore Airlines website for the latest updates on ticket availability and promotional fares for this exciting new route.
