Saudia to Launch Direct Riyadh–Moscow Flights from October Amid Surging Tourism Demand

Dubai : Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, has announced the launch of direct, non-stop flights between Riyadh and Moscow starting October 1, 2025, tapping into the rapidly growing tourism flow from the Kingdom to Russia. The new route will operate three times a week, offering increased connectivity and travel convenience.

The move comes in response to what officials have described as an unprecedented surge in Saudi tourists visiting Russia. The sharp uptick is largely attributed to Russia’s streamlined electronic visa system, introduced in August 2023, which enables Saudi citizens to apply for travel authorisation online.

According to Russian government statistics, 52,400 Saudi nationals visited Russia in 2024, a staggering 570% increase from just 9,300 the previous year. That momentum has shown no signs of slowing in 2025. In the first half of this year alone, more than 9,900 Saudis have already visited Moscow — a 50% year-on-year rise compared to the same period in 2024.

Russian authorities credit the surge to the e-visa programme, which significantly eased entry requirements for Saudi travellers. The introduction of direct flights by Saudia is expected to further strengthen this upward trend, enhancing cultural exchange and economic ties between the two countries.