Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Saudia operates first direct Riyadh–Moscow flight amid warming ties

 First direct Riyadh-Moscow flight operated by Saudia lands in Russian capital

The first direct Riyadh–Moscow flight operated by Saudia landed at Sheremetyevo Airport, marking a new stage in Saudi-Russian diplomatic and economic relations.

Saudia will run three weekly round-trip flights on the route. The service aims to deepen tourism, trade, and political engagement between the two nations.

The opening follows a period of intensified cooperation between Riyadh and Moscow within OPEC+, and growing personal rapport between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Vladimir Putin. Both leaders have recently coordinated prisoner-exchange efforts and economic dialogues.

The new air corridor reflects the Kingdom’s broader agenda to expand global connectivity and attract inbound tourism under its Vision 2030 diversification plan.

References & Source:
Reuters — “First direct Riyadh-Moscow flight operated by Saudia lands in Russian capital.”