Russia and Saudi Arabia Eye Expanded Air Connectivity With New Routes and Airline Participation
Officials from Moscow and Riyadh agree to develop direct services and broaden flight networks, boosting economic and cultural exchanges
Russia and Saudi Arabia are moving forward with plans to strengthen air services between their countries, as senior officials discuss expanding direct flights and increasing airline participation from both sides.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the two governments will prepare the necessary regulatory framework by April to allow two to three Russian carriers to operate direct services to Saudi destinations, complementing existing flights by Saudi airlines between Riyadh and Moscow.
This initiative follows the launch of new direct links in 2025, which have already seen carriers like flynas and Saudia establish scheduled services connecting major cities and travel hubs in both countries.
The move reflects broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation across tourism, trade and strategic mobility as visa-free arrangements and streamlined entry procedures further facilitate travel.
Under the expanded plan, transport ministries from both countries will jointly evaluate potential cities for new routes beyond the capitals, with the goal of boosting connectivity for business travellers, tourists and pilgrims alike.
Saudi carriers have already strengthened their presence in Russia, with multiple weekly flights between Riyadh and Moscow operating since late 2025, while Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline flynas has promoted accessibility to additional Russian destinations.
The agreements align with both nations’ strategic priorities to diversify their economies and enhance people-to-people links through aviation, tourism and cultural exchange, as the Middle East and Eurasia regions seek closer economic integration and cooperative development.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the two governments will prepare the necessary regulatory framework by April to allow two to three Russian carriers to operate direct services to Saudi destinations, complementing existing flights by Saudi airlines between Riyadh and Moscow.
This initiative follows the launch of new direct links in 2025, which have already seen carriers like flynas and Saudia establish scheduled services connecting major cities and travel hubs in both countries.
The move reflects broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation across tourism, trade and strategic mobility as visa-free arrangements and streamlined entry procedures further facilitate travel.
Under the expanded plan, transport ministries from both countries will jointly evaluate potential cities for new routes beyond the capitals, with the goal of boosting connectivity for business travellers, tourists and pilgrims alike.
Saudi carriers have already strengthened their presence in Russia, with multiple weekly flights between Riyadh and Moscow operating since late 2025, while Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline flynas has promoted accessibility to additional Russian destinations.
The agreements align with both nations’ strategic priorities to diversify their economies and enhance people-to-people links through aviation, tourism and cultural exchange, as the Middle East and Eurasia regions seek closer economic integration and cooperative development.
