Saudi Arabia's national airline confirms October start for direct Moscow flights

Gulf state has been seeing a surge in Russian visitors after launch of e-visa

Last updated: June 28, 2025 | 08:49

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Saudia's new Moscow services will see three weekly direct flights as the GCC state benefits from a sizable increase in Russian visitors.

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Dubai: Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia will start non-stop flights between Riyadh and Moscow from October1, in a move to capitalise on the sharp rise in Saudi tourism to Russia. The new service will offer three weekly flights.

The announcement comes amid what officials described as an unprecedented surge in Saudi arrivals to Russia, driven largely by Moscow’s rollout of a streamlined electronic visa system in August 2023. According to Russian government data, 52,400 Saudi citizens visited the country in 2024, a more than 570% increase from just 9,300 the previous year.

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That momentum has continued into 2025. In the first six months of the year, Moscow welcomed over 9,900 Saudi visitors, marking a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Russian authorities have credited the spike to the e-visa programme, which allows Saudi passport holders to apply for travel authorisation online.

The introduction of direct flights by Saudia is expected to bolster that growth further, offering both convenience and connectivity at a time of deepening cultural and economic engagement between the two nations.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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