Riyadh Air Launches Kuala Lumpur Service, Establishing Its First Gateway Into Southeast Asia

Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier, has celebrated the launch of its inaugural service between Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur, establishing its first gateway into Southeast Asia. The inaugural event was celebrated in both cities, kicking off at the check-in at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) with airline and airport executives, and continued at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by H.E. Osamah Dakhel Al-Ahmadi Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Malaysia; YBhg. Dato’ Seri Jana Muniayan Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport; YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports; Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer of Riyadh Air along with senior airport and government officials.

Operating three times weekly, the new nonstop service marks a strategic expansion for Riyadh Air, strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets. 

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, stated: “Today’s inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur is a defining moment for Riyadh Air as we establish our footprint in Southeast Asia. This route is far more than a direct connection between two capital cities; it builds a vital bridge between Saudi Arabia and the broader ASEAN region. By facilitating seamless travel for business, tourism, and education, we are actively supporting Vision 2030 while delivering an elevated, digitally led travel experience for our guests.”

Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, The Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, said: “Riyadh Air’s decision to make Kuala Lumpur its first destination in Southeast Asia is significant for KLIA and for Malaysia. As the ninth Middle Eastern airline to serve KLIA, its entry further strengthens our connectivity with a region that is an increasingly important market for tourism, trade, and investment For Malaysia Airports, this is about continuing to build a network that gives guests greater choice while strengthening KLIA’s role as a gateway between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world. We look forward to supporting Riyadh Air as it establishes its presence here and grows its connectivity through Kuala Lumpur.”

Riyadh Air worked closely with Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP), the executive enabler of the National Tourism and Aviation Strategies, in launching the new Riyadh–Kuala Lumpur service. The route strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, supporting growing demand across tourism, business, education, trade, and religious travel, while advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions to position Riyadh as a leading global aviation hub. It also supports the continued growth of religious travel, offering Malaysian Umrah and Hajj pilgrims enhanced access to Saudi Arabia while providing Saudi travelers with a seamless gateway to explore Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region.

Beyond serving as a direct capital-to-capital link, the new service offers guests a seamless nonstop travel experience between Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur, connecting two dynamic economies while supporting stronger ties across tourism, business, education, trade, and religious travel.

Tickets can be purchased through the Riyadh Air App, the website at www.riyadhair.com  or preferred travel providers and platforms. Guests are also invited to become ‘Founding Members’ of the airline’s loyalty program, Sfeer, ensuring a Best Offer Guarantee and free Wi-Fi while earning rewards from their very first flight.

A World-Class Travel Experience

Riyadh Air’s new 787-9 Dreamliners deliver premium comfort and style across four classes—Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy—featuring ergonomic seats with plush foam and premium fabrics, fully flat 1-2-1 beds in Business Elite/Business, enhanced privacy and storage in Premium Economy, and adjustable headrests in Economy, plus AC power, USB-C/A charging and Bluetooth audio at every seat. The aircraft offer one of the world’s most modern IFE systems—Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova—with over 500 movies, 600 TV series (Shahid, Disney+, HBO Max, Warner Bros.), 1,000 audio albums/playlists, mobile-first connectivity, cinema-quality visuals and wireless listening. Complementing the onboard experience are Saudi-made Kayanee amenities, bespoke Disney kits for children, John Horsfall bedding, elevated dining and a five-sense wellness program, with exclusive loungewear for Business Elite/Business and Kayanee tops for Premium Economy to ensure every guest arrives refreshed.
Sfeer: for a generation in motion

Guests can unlock exclusive benefits by joining Riyadh Air’s loyalty program, Sfeer. The name Sfeer derives from the Arabic word for “Ambassador” and the English word “sphere,” embodying the generous spirit of Saudi Arabia while fostering a global community. It offers a Best Offer Guarantee, including a range of unique benefits such as a “no points expiry” policy, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity. This digital lifestyle ecosystem connects a new generation of travelers to exclusive partnerships and events, both in the air and on the ground. Early Sfeer members join an elite club of ‘The Founders’, who will receive priority access to bookings on new routes, along with other benefits.