Riyadh Air, Saudi
Arabia’s new national carrier and a Public Investment Fund company, has launched its first flight to Kuala Lumpur, making the Malaysian capital the airline’s inaugural destination in Southeast Asia.
Flight RX0783 departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh Thursday evening and received an official welcome upon landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The ceremony was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Malaysia Osama bin Dakhel Al-Ahmadi, Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport Dato’ Seri Jana Munyandi, the managing director of Malaysia Airports, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, and Riyadh Air’s chief commercial officer, Vincent Coste. Senior government officials, airport executives and airline representatives were also present.
Riyadh Air will operate three direct weekly flights on the new route, marking a significant step in the expansion of its international network and strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets.
The new route supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening Riyadh’s position as a leading global aviation hub and expanding opportunities for tourism, business, education and trade between the Kingdom and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
It will also enhance travel options for Malaysian pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj, offering direct access to Riyadh and convenient onward connections to Jeddah.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas described the launch of the direct flights to Kuala Lumpur as a major milestone in the carrier’s expansion into Southeast Asia. He said the new route would serve as a strategic bridge between the Kingdom and ASEAN, fostering opportunities for business, tourism and educational travel.
Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani said Kuala Lumpur’s selection as Riyadh Air’s first destination in Southeast Asia further reinforced the Malaysian airport’s position.
