Saudia will resume direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Japan on 17 November 2026, flying three times a week between Riyadh and Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
The airline announced the new destination on its official channels. As of today, it’s the only scheduled route connecting the two countries, and tickets are already on sale.
What’s new: Saudia returns to the Japanese market
Saudia’s official Tokyo campaign page confirms the airline is flying into Narita (NRT), one of two major airports serving the Japanese capital alongside Haneda.
Industry data tracked by CAPA – Centre for Aviation confirms the route is currently unserved by any carrier, so Saudia will be the only airline flying nonstop between the two countries once the service begins.
This is not Saudia’s first time serving Japan. According to Saudia’s historical route records, the airline previously flew to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka (Kansai) before discontinuing both routes around 2022. The November 2026 launch marks a return to the Japanese market rather than a first-ever entry.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Riyadh (RUH) – Tokyo Narita (NRT) |
| Launch date | 17 November 2026 |
| Frequency | 3x weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays) |
| Aircraft | Boeing 787-9 |
Flight schedule and journey times
Flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in both directions, according to schedule details reported by TRAICY Global, which cites the carrier’s own booking systems.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV824 | Riyadh – Tokyo Narita | 01:00 (Riyadh) | 17:25 (Narita, same day) | ~10h 25m |
| SV825 | Tokyo Narita – Riyadh | 21:30 (Narita) | 05:25 (Riyadh, next day) | ~13h 55m |
The outbound flight to Narita takes roughly 10 hours 25 minutes. The return leg to Riyadh takes about 13 hours 55 minutes, and Saudia flights use Terminal 1 at Narita.
Booking and what it means for travellers
Tickets for the Riyadh–Narita route are already available through Saudia’s website and authorized travel agents like Wego ahead of the November launch.
For travellers in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf, it means a same-carrier option to Japan without connecting through hubs like Dubai, Doha or Istanbul.
- Compare fares: check flights to Tokyo and flights to Riyadh once schedules load into booking systems closer to launch
- Book stays early: November falls in Tokyo’s autumn foliage season, so look at hotels in Tokyo well ahead of the launch date
- Track the route: use the Wego flight tracker for real-time schedule and status updates once flights begin
The route also supports goals set out in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to position the kingdom as a global tourism and logistics hub connecting multiple continents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tokyo airport does Saudia fly to?
Saudia flies into Narita International Airport (NRT), landing at Terminal 1. Narita is roughly 60-90 minutes from central Tokyo by train.
How often will Saudia fly between Riyadh and Tokyo?
Three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Can I book the flight now?
Yes. Tickets are on sale through Saudia’s website and authorized agents, even though the route doesn’t start flying until 17 November 2026.
Is this the only direct route between Saudi Arabia and Japan?
Currently, yes — CAPA’s schedule tracking shows no other airline operates a direct route between the two countries. Saudia previously flew direct to Tokyo and Osaka, but those routes were discontinued around 2022.
Sources
- Saudia (official X account) — Tokyo destination announcement
- Saudia — Book Flights to Tokyo (NRT) campaign page
- CAPA – Centre for Aviation — Saudia to commence Riyadh-Tokyo Narita service in Nov-2026
- TRAICY Global — Saudia to Launch Tokyo/Narita–Riyadh Route on November 17
- Wikipedia — List of Saudia Destinations (historical Tokyo/Osaka service record)
- Saudi Vision 2030 — Official Programme Overview
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
