Saudia Launches Direct Riyadh–Tokyo Flights from November
Saudi Arabia’s national carrier has announced a new non-stop route that shortens the journey between the Kingdom and Japan significantly. Saudia will begin operating direct flights between Riyadh King Khalid International Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport three times weekly from 17 November 2026, the airline confirmed in a statement released on 16 July.
Route Details
Flights will operate Monday, Thursday, and Saturday in both directions, using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner configured in three cabin classes: Business, Economy Plus, and Economy. The 787-9’s range and fuel efficiency make it the standard choice for Saudi carriers on new long-haul routes, and its passenger cabin - with wider windows and improved humidity - is generally preferred on flights of this duration.
The journey time from Riyadh to Tokyo is approximately 11 hours 30 minutes non-stop. Previously, travellers between the two cities typically connected through Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Bangkok, adding two to five hours to the total travel time depending on the routing.
Why the Route Matters
Saudi Arabia and Japan have seen growing bilateral tourism and business travel. Vision 2030’s expansion of Saudi tourism infrastructure has made Riyadh, Diriyah, and AlUla increasingly prominent destinations for Japanese travellers interested in archaeology, culture, and adventure activities. In the other direction, Japan remains a top-ten aspirational destination for Saudi travellers, particularly for families and younger visitors drawn by cultural tourism, food, and nature.
The November start date means the first full operational season will coincide with Japan’s winter and spring calendar - covering the December peak, cherry blossom season in late March, and the Golden Week window in early May.
Saudia joins a small number of carriers offering non-stop Saudi-Japan service and becomes the only airline operating on the specific Riyadh–Narita pairing. Japanese residents considering travel to Saudi Arabia can connect onward from Riyadh to Jeddah, Madinah, and other domestic points on Saudia’s extensive internal network.
For practical information on arriving in Saudi Arabia - including e-visa eligibility, customs rules, and airport transit - see our Saudi Arabia practical guide. Our Riyadh city guide covers what to do in the capital, and the things to do in Saudi Arabia section covers the wider country. For structured trip ideas, the Saudi Arabia itineraries include multi-city routes combining Riyadh with AlUla and the Asir highlands.
Tickets for the Riyadh–Tokyo service are expected to go on sale through Saudia’s website and travel agents in the coming weeks.