MANILA: Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air will launch daily flights between Riyadh and Manila next month, expanding its network into the Philippines as the Kingdom strengthens its air links with Asia.
Riyadh Air has been rapidly adding new routes following the launch of its first commercial flight to London in June, with the aim to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 international destinations by 2030.
After launching three weekly flights between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in late July — marking the airline’s first Southeast Asian destination — Riyadh Air will launch flights connecting the Saudi capital with Islamabad and Lahore later this month, followed by services to Manila on Sept. 9.
“The launch of the new daily flight to Manila reflects Riyadh Air’s continued growth and provides an enhanced travel option for the Filipino community residing in Saudi Arabia, as well as business travelers and tourists traveling between Riyadh and Manila,” the airline said.
“As the capital and commercial center of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers visitors from Manila direct access to major cultural landmarks, modern destinations, and growing economic opportunities.”
Saudi Arabia hosts the largest number of overseas Filipino workers and was their top destination in 2024, according to the latest government data.
Almost 22 percent of Filipinos, or over 480,000, who sought work abroad chose the Kingdom in that year, driven in part by the Saudi Vision 2030 economic diversification program.
Saudi tourists are also one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing and highest-value markets, according to the Philippine Department of Tourism, with tourism receipts reaching over $37 million in 2024, marking a 46 percent rise from the previous year.
