Riyadh Air launches Manila service

Riyadh: Riyadh Air has expanded its international network to the Philippines, giving the large Filipino community in Saudi Arabia another direct option for travel between the two countries.

The Saudi carrier began its Riyadh-Manila service on September 8, with the inaugural flight reaching Ninoy Aquino International Airport the following day. Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raymond Balatbat attended the launch ceremony at King Khalid International Airport and welcomed the new connection as a boost to bilateral ties and travel options for Filipinos.

The route initially operates four times a week, with daily flights planned from October. The additional capacity is expected to benefit Filipino workers, families and other travelers who regularly move between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

Riyadh Air is the fourth airline to offer nonstop services between the two countries, further strengthening the established air corridor.

The inaugural service was operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, aircraft HZ-RXAG, which was delivered to the airline in July. The aircraft received a traditional water-cannon salute after landing in Manila.

The new route also marks the arrival of Riyadh Air's purple-branded aircraft in the Philippine market.

Officials and airline representatives said stronger air links could support continued people-to-people connections between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, particularly as the Filipino population in the Kingdom remains a major source of demand for travel to Manila.