Saturday, May 10th, 2025
Saudia was leading aviation innovation in 2025, winning record-breaking routes connecting major international cities such as London, Riyadh, Dubai, Jeddah, Cairo and Dhaka. These expanded routes allow travelers to increase frequency, increase aircraft, and provide more seamless connectivity across these high-demand corridors. As part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is increasing global connectivity, increasing flexibility and accessibility for both business and leisure travelers. These strategic updates will allow passengers to expect a more efficient and comfortable travel experience, strengthen Saudia's position as a global aviation leader, and improve connectivity in some of the world's most important cities.
With over 122 destinations around the world, Saudia has demonstrated an impressive expansion over the years. As part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the airline aims to expand its reach to 250 destinations by the end of the decade, further maintaining its position as a leading global carrier. The Saudian fleet currently consists of 159 aircraft, including both narrow and wide-body aircraft, with airlines ordering an additional 128 aircraft to accommodate increased travel demand.
As airlines continue to expand their global presence, Saudi Arabia's busiest international routes have become key to understanding its growth trajectory. This will take a closer look at Saudi Arabia's busiest top 10 international routes in 2025, and showcase the major global connections that drive the network.
1. Jeddah – Cairo
The Jeddah to Cairo route is Saudi Arabia's busiest international corridor and for good reason. This important route connects two of the Arab world's most iconic cities and has become a major choice for business, leisure and religious travelers. With nine flights per day, Saudi Arabia will use a combination of Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-200 aircraft, offering 63 flights per week and one side seat per week, 18,892 weeks. Demand for this route is being driven not only by tourism but also by a considerable number of Egyptian expatriates working in Saudi Arabia. During the peak religious season, including Hajj and Umrah, the route has seen a surge in passenger numbers.
2. Riyadh – Dubai
One of the most popular regional routes, from Riyadh to Dubai, is a very competitive sector. Saudia operates eight flights daily between these two bustling Gulf cities, using both narrow body Airbus A320/A321 aircraft and larger wide body A330. Offering 11,809 weekly one-way seating, the route caters to a wide range of travelers, from business professionals to tourists. The strategic ties between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates make this route an important part of Saudi Arabia's network, ensuring high demand throughout the year.
3. Dubai – Jeddah
The route from Dubai to Jeddah is another important link between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. There are seven daily flights operated primarily on Airbus A321 aircraft, and the route offers 9,780 weekly one-way seats. As a major hub for religion, business and leisure travel, this corridor continues to be one of Saudi Arabia's busiest sectors. The religious and cultural significance of this route continues to increase demand year-round, especially during Hajj and Ramadan.
4. Riyadh – London Heathrow
Saudi Arabia's long distance route from Riyadh to London is one of the most important intercontinental links of it. The airline operates 22 flights per week on this route using only Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The sector offers 8,734 weekly one-way seats per week, offering a wide range of passengers, including diplomats, business travelers, students and tourists. London continues to be one of Saudi Arabia's top destinations for both premium and economy passengers, and this route has become an important part of the European network.
5. Riad – Cairo
Along with Jeddah, Riyadh also maintains strong air connectivity with Cairo. This route operates four flights daily, all served by Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Offering 8,428 weekly one-way seats, this route is an important link for anyone traveling to the two capitals for business, education or family purposes. Like the Jeddah and Cairosector, this route experiences an increase in demand during peak religious seasons, especially for pilgrims heading towards Mecca.
6. Dhaka – Jeddah
The Dhaka to Jeddah route serves as an important connection between the large Bangladeshi expatriate community in Saudi Arabia and the pilgrims traveling to play Umrah and Hajj. With Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200ER aircraft operating 20 flights per week, the route offers one one-way seating, 7,930 per week. Saudi Arabia's commitment to this route underscores the importance of linking South Asia with Saudi Arabia, particularly for the millions of migrant workers who contribute to the kingdom's economy.
7. Jeddah – Jakarta
The Jeddah to Jakarta route plays an important role in linking Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, with Saudi Arabia. This route operates two flights daily on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft only. Offering 5,502 one-way seats per week, the sector has seen high demand in the Hajj and Ramadan eras, but has been strong performances all year round. In addition to religious travel, the route also accommodates an increase in business and leisure travelers between the two countries.
8. London Heathrow – Jeddah
In addition to the Riad London route, Saudia operates 16 flights from London Heathrow to Jeddah using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The route offers 4,768 weekly one-way seats and serves as an important link between the kingdom and the UK. It complements Riyadh London's services and plays an important role in connecting Saudi Arabia with one of Europe's most important destinations.
9. Jeddah – Casablanca
The Jeddah to Casablanca route strengthens Saudi Arabia's presence in North Africa. With two flights operating daily using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, this route has 4,172 weekly one-way seats. It reflects Saudi Arabia's broader commitment to address both business and leisure transport and linking Saudi Arabia to North Africa. Morocco sees a significant demand for this route as a popular tourist destination, particularly as Saudi citizens visit the country.
10. Kuala Lumpur – Jeddah
The Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah route is particularly popular among travelers heading to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes, including Umrah and Hajj. Saudia operates 13 flights per week using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering 3,874 one-way seats each week. This route not only serves Muslim communities, but also attracts leisure and business travelers, especially during peak season.
Looking ahead: Saudiian Vision 2030 Expansion
Saudi Arabia's prominent growth trajectory is consistent with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and aims to position the kingdom as a global hub for business and tourism. As part of this vision, Saudia has set an ambitious goal of expanding its network to 250 destinations by 2030. The expansion plan further strengthens the airline's position as a major international airline.
To support the expansion goal, Saudiia has added 128 new aircraft and invested heavily in the fleet. This expansion will allow Saudi Arabia to meet the growing demand for air travel, particularly from Saudi Arabia, which has seen a surge in tourism and business trips due to economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia's growing network is part of a broader strategy to connect the kingdom with key markets in Asia, Europe and North America, maintaining strong regional ties with the Middle East and North Africa. As airlines continue to modernize their fleet and expand their service offerings, they remain a central pillar of Saudi Arabia's global ties and play a pivotal role in the country's long-term economic transformation.
With its network expansion, modernized fleet and commitment to superior customer service, Saudia will remain a major player in global aviation for years to come. The growth of the airline is driven by both demand and strategic investment, and becomes an important part of Saudi Arabia's economic development and its global position as an influential country in the 21st century.
