SINGAPORE- Singapore Airlines (SQ) will resume nonstop flights between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (RUH), from June 2026, restoring a long-haul route suspended since 2014.
The 4 times weekly service will be operated using Airbus A350 Medium Haul aircraft, marking the airline’s second attempt at serving the Saudi capital.
The relaunch reflects improved market conditions, stronger business demand, and deeper regional partnerships, positioning Riyadh as a key Middle East destination in Singapore Airlines’ global network.
Singapore Airlines Restarts Riyadh Flights
Singapore Airlines has confirmed it will restart flights to Riyadh on 2 June 2026, ending a 12-year absence from the market, Mainly Miles flagged.
The service will launch just 4 months from now and will operate on a fully nonstop basis, unlike earlier routings that included intermediate stops.
According to Mainly Lines, the decision is driven by Riyadh’s rapid economic growth and its rising importance as a regional business hub.
This return represents a strategic reset rather than a continuation of the earlier operation, with changes in aircraft type, cabin configuration, and route structure.
Riyadh becomes the second destination in Saudi Arabia for the Singapore Airlines Group, joining Scoot’s existing services to Jeddah.
The route will operate 4 times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using Airbus A350 Medium Haul aircraft.
Summer Schedule: 2 June 2026 – 24 October 2026
| Route | Flight | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore – Riyadh | SQ498 | Singapore (SIN) 18:20 | Riyadh (RUH) 21:45 | 8h 25m |
| Riyadh – Singapore | SQ499 | Riyadh (RUH) 23:00 | Singapore (SIN) 12:15* | 8h 15m |
Winter Schedule: 25 October 2026 – 27 March 2027
| Route | Flight | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore – Riyadh | SQ498 | Singapore (SIN) 17:40 | Riyadh (RUH) 21:35 | 8h 55m |
| Riyadh – Singapore | SQ499 | Riyadh (RUH) 22:50 | Singapore (SIN) 11:50* | 8h |
Seasonal adjustments reflect winter operating conditions and airspace requirements.
Aircraft and Cabin Details
Singapore Airlines will deploy the Airbus A350 Medium Haul, configured with 303 seats across two cabins:
- Business Class: 40 seats
- Economy Class: 263 seats
Business Class features the 2018 Regional Business Class product in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access.
However, seats are narrower than those on the airline’s long-haul Business Class aircraft.
With flight times extending up to 8 hours 55 minutes, Riyadh will become the longest route operated with this Regional Business Class product, surpassing Brisbane, which currently holds that distinction at approximately 8 hours.
Inflight Alcohol Service Policy
Alcohol service will be available for most of the journey. As per standard practice for international airlines operating into Saudi Arabia, alcohol service is suspended when entering Saudi airspace.
In practice, cabin crew stop serving alcohol and collect glassware approximately one hour before landing in Riyadh.
On the return flight, alcohol service resumes once the aircraft exits Saudi airspace. This policy is consistent across carriers such as British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa.
There has been industry speculation that Saudi Arabia may adopt a more liberal alcohol policy similar to the UAE, particularly ahead of Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, but no confirmed timeline has been announced.
History of the Singapore–Riyadh Route
Singapore Airlines first launched flights to Riyadh on 14 December 2008, operating four times weekly using Boeing 777-200 aircraft. The original service was routed via Dubai in both directions.
The operation was later restructured into a 3-times-weekly triangular service: Singapore–Riyadh–Jeddah–Riyadh–Singapore, using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Despite these changes, the route underperformed and was terminated on 28 September 2014.
Market Dynamics and Partnerships
Singapore Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Lik Hsin, attributed the route’s return to Riyadh’s expanding business environment and ambitious development plans.
He also highlighted opportunities to work with partners to provide wider regional connectivity.
In June 2024, Singapore Airlines signed a strategic partnership with startup carrier Riyadh Air, covering potential cooperation areas such as codesharing, frequent flyer benefits, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation.
As Riyadh Air expands its network, future overlap on the Singapore–Riyadh route remains a possibility.
Riyadh serves as Saudi Arabia’s administrative and financial centre. The city offers a mix of historic and modern attractions, including Diriyah, Masmak Fortress, world-class museums, luxury hotels, and extensive shopping and dining districts, supporting both business and leisure travel demand.
Ticket Sales and KrisFlyer Redemptions
Ticket sales, including KrisFlyer award bookings, are expected to open progressively through Singapore Airlines’ distribution channels in the coming days.
Riyadh falls under Zone 10 of the KrisFlyer award chart.
One-way KrisFlyer Redemption Rates:
| Cabin Class | Saver (Miles) | Advantage (Miles) | Access (Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Class | 32,000 | 66,500 | 86,500 |
| Business Class | 68,000 | 122,000 | 152,500 to 244,000 |
Singapore Airlines will be the only carrier in the group offering KrisFlyer redemptions to and from Saudi Arabia, as Scoot excludes its Jeddah services from mileage awards.
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