- Saudi Arabia’s National Carrier Strengthens Asia Connectivity, Boosting Tourism, Business and Vision 2030 Goals
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, Riyadh Air, is set to further expand its international network with the launch of daily nonstop flights between Riyadh and Manila beginning September 9, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading global aviation hub connecting Asia, the Middle East, and the world.
The new route marks another milestone in Riyadh Air’s ambitious expansion strategy as it supports Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing tourism, trade, investment, and international connectivity.
Expanding Saudi Arabia’s Global Aviation Network
Following the successful launch of its inaugural commercial service to London in June, Riyadh Air has accelerated the rollout of new international destinations as it works toward its goal of serving more than 100 global destinations by 2030.
The airline recently inaugurated services to Malaysia, its first destination in Southeast Asia, with three weekly flights launched in late July. It is also scheduled to begin operations to Islamabad and Lahore later this month before introducing daily flights to Manila.
The expansion underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to positioning Riyadh as a premier international gateway linking Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Strengthening Ties Between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines
Announcing the new service, Riyadh Air said the daily Riyadh–Manila route will provide greater convenience for the large Filipino community living and working in Saudi Arabia while also creating new opportunities for business travelers and tourists.
“The launch of the new daily flight to Manila reflects Riyadh Air’s continued growth and provides an enhanced travel option for the Filipino community residing in Saudi Arabia, as well as business travelers and tourists traveling between Riyadh and Manila,” the airline said.
The carrier added that Riyadh, as Saudi Arabia’s political, economic, and cultural capital, offers visitors direct access to world-class business opportunities, historic landmarks, modern attractions, and the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding tourism sector.
Supporting Vision 2030 and Regional Connectivity
Saudi Arabia remains the largest overseas destination for Filipino workers. According to official Philippine government figures, more than 480,000 Filipinos—approximately 22 percent of all overseas workers deployed in 2024—chose Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing labor market and expanding economy under Vision 2030.
The new air link is expected to further strengthen people-to-people ties while facilitating increased trade, investment, and labor mobility between the two countries.
Growing Tourism Opportunities
The enhanced connectivity is also expected to boost two-way tourism. Saudi travelers have become one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing and highest-spending visitor markets.
According to the Philippine Department of Tourism, tourism receipts from Saudi visitors exceeded US$37 million in 2024, representing a 46 percent increase compared with the previous year, highlighting the growing appeal of the Philippines among Saudi travelers.
With its rapidly expanding route network, Riyadh Air continues to play a central role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global aviation, tourism, and business hub, supporting the Kingdom’s long-term economic diversification and international connectivity objectives under Vision 2030.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
