Riyadh Air Launches Daily Manila to Riyadh Route Starting October 19

Riyadh Air has officially announced the launch of a new daily direct flight route connecting Manila, Philippines, to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, effective October 19, 2026. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for the carrier as it continues to build its global footprint. The introduction of this route is designed to cater to the high demand for travel between the two nations, driven by a large population of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East and increasing tourism and business ties between the regions.

This development follows the airline's broader strategy to position Riyadh as a major global aviation hub. By establishing a direct link to Manila, Riyadh Air is tapping into one of the most active travel corridors in Asia. The move is expected to increase competition on the route, potentially offering more flexible scheduling and competitive pricing for passengers who previously relied on indirect flights or limited carrier options.

This route primarily impacts overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) residing in Saudi Arabia, business travellers engaged in trade between the Philippines and the Gulf region, and tourists seeking direct access to the Saudi capital. It also affects travellers who previously had to transit through other hubs in the Middle East or Southeast Asia to reach these destinations.

Makutet expects this route to be a high-performing asset for Riyadh Air, given the established demographic demand. We anticipate that this move will force incumbent carriers on the Manila-Riyadh corridor to adjust their pricing strategies to maintain market share, potentially benefiting consumers in the short term.