JEDDAH- Saudia (SV), Saudi Arabia’s national carrier and a SkyTeam member, has announced new direct flights between Riyadh (RUH) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), a service developed in partnership with the Air Connectivity Programme (ACP) and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
The route begins on 17 November 2026 with three weekly flights from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, operated by the Boeing 787-9, creating a direct air link between the Kingdom and Japan.
Saudia Plans Riyadh to Tokyo Flights
The direct Riyadh to Tokyo Narita service adds a nonstop connection between two major markets that previously relied on connecting flights. Saudia will operate the route three times a week from its Riyadh base, giving travelers a shorter and more convenient option for reaching Japan.
The launch follows a brief period of passenger service to Osaka offered in September 2026. The scheduled Tokyo flights mark Saudia’s return to sustained operations in the Japanese market.
The airline expects the route to support tourism, trade, business and investment flows between Saudi Arabia and Japan. It also improves travel access into the Kingdom for Japanese visitors and business travelers.
Saudia will operate the route three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The planned timetable is as follows (all times local):
- SV824 RUH 0100 to NRT 1725, Boeing 787-9, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- SV825 NRT 2130 to RUH 0525 (next day), Boeing 787-9, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
The northbound service departs Riyadh in the early hours and arrives in Tokyo the same evening. The return leg departs Narita late at night and lands in Riyadh the following morning, giving business and leisure travelers workable connections at both ends.
Support for the Air Connectivity Programme
The Tokyo route forms part of the Air Connectivity Programme’s wider push to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s international network.
The programme works to expand global links by introducing new routes and increasing frequencies on existing services.
By backing the Riyadh to Tokyo launch, the ACP continues its effort to connect the Kingdom with high-value long-haul markets and raise the country’s profile as an international travel destination.
Alignment With Vision 2030 and National Strategies
The new service supports Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy, National Tourism Strategy and Vision 2030. These frameworks aim to position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism destination and a major logistics hub.
Expanding direct connectivity to Tokyo helps advance these goals by opening the Kingdom to a large source market in East Asia and reinforcing its role as a hub linking regions.
Saudi Tourism Authority Targets Japanese Travelers
The Saudi Tourism Authority is working with Japanese travel partners to build tourism packages and promote Saudi destinations. The goal is to encourage more Japanese visitors to explore the Kingdom.
These joint efforts complement the new flights by pairing improved air access with targeted marketing, giving travelers in Japan clearer reasons and easier means to visit Saudi Arabia.
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