RIYADH: Saudi carrier Riyadh Air has launched flights between Riyadh and Manila, marking the 13th destination in its network and its seventh in Asia.
The inaugural flight, RX873, departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh for Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
Flights between the two capitals are operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with four flights per week, increasing to daily service from October 19, 2026.
Manila, the first of many hellos 🇵🇭✈️
Our inaugural flight has officially landed, marking the start of daily flights between Riyadh and Manila. pic.twitter.com/3olQcT6ioA
— Riyadh Air | طيران الرياض (@RiyadhAir) September 9, 2026
The new route is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines while supporting travel, trade and tourism between the two countries.
More than 910,000 Filipinos live and work in Saudi Arabia, which hosts the largest number of overseas Filipino workers and was their top destination in 2024, according to Philippine government data.
The new service supports the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Programme under Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance air connectivity and expand the Kingdom’s international network of destinations.
Riyadh Air, flagship project backed by PIF
Riyadh Air is a flagship project backed by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is expected to play a central role in transforming Riyadh into a major international gateway connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
Saudi Arabia officially launched Riyadh Air in June this year, its new national carrier, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and strengthen its position as a global aviation hub.
The airline’s inaugural commercial flight departed Riyadh for London aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, signalling the start of operations for Saudi Arabia’s second state-owned airline after Saudia.
ALSO READ: Riyadh Air Begins Three Weekly Flights Between Riyadh and Lahore
The carrier has ambitious expansion plans and aims to connect more than 100 international destinations within the next five years. To support its growth strategy, Riyadh Air has already ordered 132 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for additional purchases in the future.
Saudi Arabia aims to increase annual air traffic to 330 million passengers by the end of the decade as it prepares to host major global events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
