KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Riyadh Air has chosen Kuala Lumpur as its first destination in Southeast Asia with the launch of its inaugural three-times-weekly service between Riyadh and KL International Airport (KLIA), strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
In a statement today, Malaysia Airports said beyond facilitating tourism, a stronger air link also supports trade, investment and closer bilateral ties, while creating more choices for travellers between the two countries.
“The route serves a diverse travel market spanning tourism, business, education, religious travel and visits between families and communities,” it said.
Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said Riyadh Air’s decision to make Kuala Lumpur its first Southeast Asian destination adds further depth to KLIA’s growing international network.
“Kuala Lumpur provides Riyadh Air with access to the heart of Southeast Asia, while Riyadh is rapidly developing its position as an international aviation hub.
“As both networks grow, this route has the potential to connect travellers to a much wider range of destinations through our respective gateways,” he said.
Izani said Malaysia Airports’s focus is not simply to add more airlines or destinations but also to build a network that gives passengers greater choice, strengthens Malaysia’s links with key markets and creates long-term value for airline partners.
Malaysia Airports said KLIA welcomed 1.2 million passengers from the Middle East across nine routes served by eight Middle Eastern carriers. Riyadh Air is the ninth Middle Eastern airline to serve KLIA.
It added that the new service also comes as Malaysia continues its tourism push through 2026 and into 2027.
