Saudia to Add Three Weekly Direct Muscat–Riyadh Flights From October 27

Saudia is scheduled to begin operating three direct flights per week between Muscat and Riyadh from October 27, 2026. The service has been approved by Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority and will connect Muscat International Airport with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The announcement gives travelers another nonstop option between the Omani and Saudi capitals. It does not represent the first direct connection on the route: Oman Air and SalamAir already operate direct services, while Saudia has previously marketed some Oman Air-operated flights through codeshare arrangements. The verified change is that Saudia is scheduled to operate its own direct service on the city-pair.

What Happened

Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority has approved Saudia to operate the new Muscat–Riyadh service. The flights are scheduled to start on October 27, 2026, with three weekly services planned.

The route will run between Muscat International Airport and King Khalid International Airport. The service is a future scheduled operation rather than a current disruption or emergency change to air travel in the region.

The exact operating weekdays and aircraft type have not been consistently established in the available reporting. Travelers should therefore rely on Saudia’s booking and flight-schedule information for the specific date and service details once planning or booking their journey.

What This Means for Travelers

For passengers traveling between Oman and Saudi Arabia, the planned service should create an additional nonstop choice. That may give travelers more flexibility when comparing departure times, connections and airline options, particularly for trips that do not fit the schedules of existing operators.

A direct flight can also be useful for passengers who would otherwise consider a connecting itinerary. However, the new service does not remove the need to compare the full range of available flights. Existing direct services from Oman Air and SalamAir remain relevant alternatives, and schedules may differ by travel date.

The announcement confirms the planned frequency and start date, but not the precise weekly operating pattern. Travelers should not assume that flights will operate on a particular weekday until that information is shown in the airline’s schedule or booking system.

Passengers connecting onward from Riyadh should also allow enough time between flights and check the conditions of their separate or connecting tickets. The evidence confirms the new nonstop route, but does not establish onward connection timings, baggage arrangements or terminal procedures.

The service is scheduled for a future launch, so plans remain subject to the normal conditions that apply to scheduled airline operations. Travelers should confirm the flight status and itinerary directly with the airline before setting out for the airport.

What Travelers Should Do Now

If you are considering travel between Muscat and Riyadh from October 27 onward, check Saudia’s official booking and flight-schedule system for available dates, operating days, fares and times. The planned three-times-weekly frequency does not by itself identify which days the flights will operate.

Compare the new service with existing direct flights operated by Oman Air and SalamAir. Look at the complete itinerary rather than the headline fare, including baggage rules, connection needs, airport timings and any restrictions attached to the ticket.

If you have already arranged travel for this period, do not change your plans solely because the new route has been announced. Check your existing booking with the airline or travel provider and confirm whether the itinerary remains suitable.

Before departure, verify the latest flight status directly with the operating airline and check the airport information for Muscat or Riyadh. This is especially important for travelers with onward flights, time-sensitive appointments or separate tickets.

Travelers should also confirm that they meet all applicable entry, passport and visa requirements for Saudi Arabia or Oman before booking. Those requirements are not detailed in the verified announcement and should be checked with the relevant airline or official authority.

What Is Confirmed

• Saudia is scheduled to operate direct flights between Muscat International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
• The service is scheduled to begin on October 27, 2026.
• Three weekly services are planned.
• Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority approved Saudia to operate the route.
• The service will add another nonstop option between Muscat and Riyadh.
• The route is not a newly created city-pair; other airlines already operate direct services between the two capitals.
• The exact operating weekdays and aircraft have not been consistently established.

Sources

Primary sources

• Saudia | Flight Schedule

Independent reporting

• Saudia to launch direct Muscat-Riyadh flights from October 27
• Saudia gets CAA approval for Muscat-Riyadh flights
• Saudi Airlines to operate three weekly direct flights between Muscat and Riyadh from October

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