King Khalid ­­International Airport Seeks Enhanced Connectivity Across Asia And Europe

Operated and managed by Riyadh Airports Company, King Khalid ­­International Airport (RUH) serves the Saudi capital and connects more than 50 international and domestic airlines to over 100 destinations annually.

During 2024, the airport handled a record-breaking 37 million ­­passengers with double digit year-on-year growth. Contributing to Saudi Arabia’s 15% growth in passenger traffic, RUH added 15 new airlines to its roster and was the second busiest airport in the Kingdom. The airport recorded its busiest day on Aug. 1, welcoming more than 130,000 passengers.

Recent route successes include AirAsia’s parent Capital A plans to launch a new service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) as the airline has identified Saudi Arabia as a “top priority market” for expansion.

Earlier this year Virgin Atlantic marked its entry into Saudi Arabia with the launch of daily flights from London Heathrow (LHR) while Air France commenced its inaugural service to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in May. Cathay Pacific has also increased frequency on its Hong Kong International Airport (HGK) route, adding a fourth weekly flight.

Earlier this year flyadeal launched its operations from RUH to Karachi, Pakistan, marking the LCC’s first regular scheduled services to South Asia in February.

As the first Middle Eastern airport to achieve the Welcome Chinese certification, RUH marked a milestone in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, leading to an array of new air services linking the two countries including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai.

RUH’s route network is set to soar further with the launch of Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s second flag carrier, operations by the end of 2025.

The airport is committed to play a leading role in supporting the achievement of Vision 2030 targets. RUH has highlighted multiple opportunities on its Routes 360 profile to enhance connectivity and ultimately cement Saudi Arabia’s place as a key global destination.

Unserved:

• Changi Airport Group (SIN)
• Kolkata International Airport (CCU)
• Chennai International Airport (MAA)
• Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)
• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
• Aeroport d’Alger Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG)
• Budapest Airport (BUD)
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Brussels Airport (BRU)
• Madrid Airport (MAD)
• Manchester Airport (MAN)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Underserved:

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
• Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Discover the latest available routes and identify new business opportunities.

Routes 360 can support your organization in identifying new route opportunities, building brand presence, and accessing the most up-to-date industry information. Join the largest online community of network planners. Request a demo today.