First direct Riyadh–Moscow flight operated by Saudia lands in Russian capital
The Saudi airline Saudia made history this week with the inaugural direct Riyadh–Moscow flight landing at Sheremetyevo International Airport, marking a key milestone in Saudi-Russia relations.
This new route will operate three round-trip flights weekly, signaling Riyadh’s intent to deepen diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties with Moscow. The announcement comes amid growing coordination between the two nations in energy policy and bilateral exchange.
Saudi authorities said this connection would expand tourism and trade flows. In recent months, diplomatic outreach between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Vladimir Putin has intensified, including coordinated efforts in mediating regional conflicts and joint OPEC+ strategies. The route is expected to boost passenger volumes and strengthen economic interlinkages.
Observers see this as part of a broader Saudi external engagement strategy—balancing relationships between Western capitals and influential global actors. The direct flight adds to Riyadh’s ambition of becoming a logistics and transportation hub under its Vision 2030 blueprint.
References & Source
Reuters — “First direct Riyadh–Moscow flight operated by Saudia lands in Russian capital.”
Link: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/first-direct-riyadhmoscow-flight-operated-by-saudia-lands-russian-capital-amid-2025-10-10/