Direct Flights from Singapore to Riyadh Now Set to Boost Saudi Tourism and Business, Get the Details Here

In a major step to improve connectivity and promote economic links, the Air Connectivity Programme (ACP) of Saudi Arabia and Singapore Airlines have entered into a new cooperation agreement. This new cooperation will bring about a direct air service between Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and Singapore, which will provide a direct air service that will promote growth in tourism, trade, and logistics. This new service will be a major step in improving air connectivity between the two countries.

New Direct Air Route Between Riyadh and Singapore

Starting in June 2026, Singapore Airlines will begin operating the first direct flights between Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. The new service will operate four times a week, utilizing the A350-900 aircraft, which has a seating capacity of 303 passengers per flight. With an annual capacity of 126,048 passengers, this new route will significantly enhance the air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia.

The establishment of this direct air route is expected to make travel between the two countries more convenient and efficient. By eliminating the need for connecting flights, travelers will benefit from shorter travel times and a more seamless journey, making Riyadh a more accessible destination for tourists and business travelers from Singapore and the surrounding regions.

Supporting Tourism and Trade Growth

This new direct air route is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a regional hub for air transport. The direct connection between Riyadh and Singapore will not only boost tourism but will also enhance trade and investment flows between the two countries. Singapore, with its dynamic economy and position as a key business hub in Asia, is an important partner for Saudi Arabia. This new air service will enable better business travel options, while also encouraging tourism between the two countries.

The introduction of direct flights will provide travelers from Singapore with greater access to the Kingdom’s thriving tourism sector. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a premier tourist destination, and this new route will support efforts to bring in more international visitors, especially from Southeast Asia. With significant cultural, historical, and religious sites, Saudi Arabia is a rising destination for travelers seeking new experiences. This direct flight route will provide a more direct connection to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse offerings, from the vibrant city of Riyadh to the Red Sea coastline and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Enhancing Air Connectivity for Business and Leisure

Beyond tourism, the new air route also serves the growing demand for business travel between Riyadh and Singapore. As Riyadh emerges as one of the most dynamic cities in the Middle East, the city’s business environment is thriving, with increasing numbers of international companies and investors looking to capitalize on opportunities in the Kingdom. The new direct flight route will make it easier for business professionals to travel between the two cities, facilitating collaboration, partnerships, and trade.

Moreover, the link will enhance Saudi Arabia’s standing as a logistics hub, as the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and connectivity. The government’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub and connectivity platform. By improving air connectivity with Southeast Asia, this new route is an important step towards realizing these ambitions, enabling smoother movement of goods and services between the Kingdom and key Southeast Asian markets.

The Strategic Role of Singapore Airlines in Expanding Global Networks

Singapore Airlines has long been a leader in international air travel, and this partnership with Saudi Arabia further underscores its role in connecting key global destinations. The airline’s return to Riyadh highlights the growing importance of Saudi Arabia’s economic and business landscape, particularly in Riyadh, which has become one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the Middle East.

Singapore Airlines‘ commitment to expanding its network into Riyadh is aligned with the airline’s goal of offering more travel options for its customers across the region. This new route to Riyadh will not only serve passengers traveling directly between Singapore and Saudi Arabia but will also provide connections to a wider range of destinations through Singapore Airlines’ extensive network, particularly in Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond. This move reflects the airline’s confidence in the strong demand for travel to Saudi Arabia and its broader Middle Eastern network.

Enhancing National and Regional Tourism Objectives

The new air route also plays a critical role in achieving the goals of Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy. The Kingdom has set ambitious targets to attract millions of international tourists as part of its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce its reliance on oil exports. Tourism is seen as a key pillar of this strategy, and increasing air connectivity is essential to achieving these goals.

The direct flight service between Riyadh and Singapore is an important step in this direction, as it facilitates easier access for tourists from one of the world’s leading tourism markets. With the global tourism industry showing signs of recovery, enhancing air connectivity with major international hubs like Singapore can help Saudi Arabia tap into new visitor segments and drive growth in its tourism sector.

A Milestone for Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Strategy

This partnership between Saudi Arabia and Singapore Airlines represents a key milestone in the Kingdom’s broader aviation strategy. The introduction of direct flights between Riyadh and Singapore highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global aviation sector and its efforts to become a more connected and accessible destination for international travelers. As the Kingdom continues to expand its air travel network, this direct route will contribute to the overall growth of both tourism and business travel, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a central player in global connectivity.

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India’s Aviation Industry Sets New Milestone as Direct Flights from Mumbai to Greece Open New Pathways for Tourism and Business, Strengthening Travel Connections

India’s aviation industry has reached a significant milestone with the launch of direct flights from Mumbai to Greece. This new air route marks a major advancement, opening new pathways for tourism and business between two culturally rich countries. The direct flights will strengthen travel connections, making it easier than ever for people to explore Greece’s historic sites or attend business events. With fewer layovers, Mumbai now has seamless access to Greece, allowing tourists and business travellers to enjoy more convenience, save time, and experience a smoother journey. This direct connection promises to boost tourism from India, where Greek culture has always intrigued, while enhancing bilateral trade and cultural exchanges.

A Historic Milestone in India‑Greece Connectivity

India’s largest carrier IndiGo has inaugurated the first-ever direct flights between India and Greece. These services connect Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport directly with Athens International Airport on non‑stop schedules.

India’s First Non‑Stop Flights to Athens

For decades, travellers from India to Greece were accustomed to layovers in the Middle East or European cities such as Frankfurt, Dubai or Istanbul. The launch of direct services eliminates those common transit stops, offering a streamlined travel experience. The inaugural flight from Mumbai landed in Athens on 23 January 2026, marking a historic moment for Indian aviation.

On the following day, 24 January 2026, IndiGo also commenced direct services from Delhi to Athens, further expanding bilateral connectivity.

This development positions IndiGo as the first Indian airline to offer non‑stop flights to Greece — sealing a new aviation milestone for the nation’s travel and tourism sector.

Flights Operated with Advanced Aircraft

Central to these direct services is the deployment of the Airbus A321XLR, a long‑range narrow‑body aircraft capable of efficient long‑haul flights between far‑flung destinations.

The A321XLR Advantage

The Airbus A321XLR is a newer generation aircraft designed for extended range operations, enabling airlines to connect cities that were previously beyond conventional narrow‑body limits. IndiGo’s adoption of this aircraft for the Mumbai–Athens and Delhi–Athens routes marks its first foray into long‑range narrow‑body operations.

These flights are scheduled to operate three times per week on each route, offering regular and predictable travel options for both leisure and business travellers.

Onboard, travellers can expect a dual‑class configuration with premium IndiGoStretch seating and standard Economy seats, catering to a range of passenger preferences and comfort levels.

Bridging Two Civilisations: Tourism and Beyond

Opening Doors for Indian Holidaymakers

Greece has long attracted Indian travellers with its rich tapestry of history, mythology, sunshine beaches, and vibrant culture. Cities such as Athens, Santorini, Mykonos and Crete have featured prominently on bucket lists for Indian tourists. The launch of direct flights significantly simplifies access to these iconic destinations.

For many travellers, fewer flight hours and no layovers translate into more vacation time and less travel fatigue — vital advantages for holidaymakers, honeymooners and families planning extended explorations of Greece’s islands and heritage sites.

Boost for Business and Cultural Exchange

Beyond pleasure travel, direct air links are expected to stimulate business travel, academic exchanges and cultural interaction. Greece and India share rich historical legacies — dating back to ancient times — and the ease of direct flights is anticipated to rekindle interest in joint research, trade missions, and artistic collaborations.

Furthermore, Greece’s Tourism Minister has announced intentions to open new Greek diplomatic missions in Mumbai and Bangalore in 2026, aimed at streamlining visa processes and further facilitating travel between the two countries.

Direct air routes often act as catalysts for broader economic ties, drawing investments in hospitality, hospitality education, event tourism such as weddings and conferences, and even niche travel segments like religious or heritage tourism.

Codeshare Partnership with AEGEAN Airlines Enhances Reach

Powerful Network Synergies

In addition to operating direct flights, IndiGo has activated a bilateral codeshare partnership with Greece’s leading airline, AEGEAN Airlines.

Under this agreement:

• IndiGo’s flights carry the 6E code on selected AEGEAN services;
• AEGEAN’s services integrate with IndiGo’s domestic and regional network;
• Seamless connections are enabled to over 10 European destinations from Athens.

This codeshare dramatically widens travel options for Indian passengers, allowing smooth onward journeys to destinations in Italy, Spain, Bulgaria and beyond, all under a coordinated airline partnership.

Such arrangements also create opportunities for travellers heading to Greek islands via Athens or continuing to other European capitals without multiple separate bookings.

What Passengers Can Expect

Flight Schedules and Comfort

The direct flights are structured to suit both leisure and business travellers. While specific schedules may vary, the flights from Mumbai to Athens depart midday, arrive in the afternoon or early evening European time, and return overnight.

Passengers on these services enjoy complimentary meals and beverages onboard, along with modern inflight amenities tailored for comfortable long‑distance travel. The Airbus A321XLR’s efficient design ensures a balance of comfort and fuel performance, contributing to competitive fares on these routes.

With three weekly frequencies on both the Mumbai and Delhi routes, options for travel planning have significantly expanded compared to previous offerings requiring layovers.

Strengthening India’s Aviation Footprint

A Strategic Expansion

For IndiGo, the launch of direct Europe flights represents a strategic step in its global expansion plan. The airline now connects India not just to major hubs in the Gulf or Southeast Asia, but directly to Southern Europe — a major tourism and business market.

This aligns with broader trends in Indian outbound travel, where demand from India’s growing middle class for international leisure and business travel continues to rise.

The achievement also elevates India’s status as a global aviation hub, demonstrating the nation’s capability to sustain long‑range operations on narrow‑body aircraft and integrate seamlessly with international partners.

A New Chapter in Indo‑Hellenic Relations

As travellers around India prepare to explore Greece with unprecedented ease and convenience, the launch of direct flights from Mumbai to Greece’s Athens is undoubtedly a landmark moment. These services promise to reshape travel patterns, deepen cultural and economic ties, and chart a bold new trajectory in bilateral relations between the two ancient cultures.

The skies between India and Greece are now more inviting than ever — and for hundreds of travellers each week, the journey from Mumbai to the Mediterranean’s historic jewels is just a flight away.

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