Saudia
Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, operating full-service domestic and international flights with an extensive network across the Middle East and key global markets.
About Saudia
Saudia is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and traces its origins to 1945, when the kingdom received its first aircraft and began developing a national air service. The airline operates under the long-established Saudia identity and is state-owned through the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation. Its role combines commercial scheduled flying with strategic responsibility for connecting the kingdom domestically and internationally, including carrying large numbers of religious pilgrims.
Riyadh is Saudia’s busiest departure hub by route count, while Jeddah is another major gateway and is especially important for passengers travelling to Mecca. Dammam, Medina and Abha also support substantial parts of the network. The airline operates 346 routes serving exactly 77 destinations across 36 countries, linking Saudi cities with the Gulf, wider Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
Aircraft associated with Saudia’s operations include members of the Airbus A300, A319, A320, A321 and A330 families, alongside Boeing 737, 747 and 777 variants. Some of these types represent earlier phases of the carrier’s fleet development, while wide-body aircraft support longer international services. Saudia generally follows a full-service model, with Guest Class and Business Class widely offered and First Class available on selected aircraft and routes.
Saudia joined SkyTeam in 2012, giving eligible passengers access to alliance connections and reciprocal benefits across a broad international network. Its loyalty programme is AlFursan, through which members can earn and redeem reward miles and qualify for tier benefits. Depending on status and itinerary, benefits may include priority airport services, additional baggage privileges and lounge access when travelling on eligible Saudia or partner flights.
A notable strength is the breadth of Saudia’s domestic network and its useful onward connections through Riyadh and Jeddah, particularly for travel within Saudi Arabia and to neighbouring regional markets. Jeddah also makes the airline a practical choice for pilgrimage journeys. Travellers should nevertheless allow generous connection time during peak Hajj, Umrah and holiday periods, when terminals, immigration facilities and ground transport can be exceptionally busy.
Good to know
Flying with Saudia — what to expect
Two Major Gateways
Riyadh has the airline’s largest route offering, while Jeddah is a particularly important gateway for western Saudi Arabia and pilgrimage travel. Check the airport carefully because some itineraries may offer connections through either city.
Pilgrimage Peak Periods
Flights and airport facilities can be especially busy around Hajj, Ramadan and popular Umrah periods. Arrive early and leave extra time for immigration, baggage handling and onward ground transport.
Cabins Vary
Guest Class and Business Class are broadly available, while First Class is limited to selected aircraft and routes. Seat design and onboard amenities can differ significantly between narrow-body and long-haul aircraft.
Check Baggage Terms
Baggage allowances depend on the route, fare family, cabin and AlFursan status. Review the allowance shown on your ticket before travel, especially when connecting to a partner airline.
Conservative Travel Rules
Saudia does not serve alcohol, and onboard service reflects Saudi cultural norms. Passengers should also review Saudi entry, transit and pilgrimage-document requirements before departure.
SkyTeam Connections
SkyTeam membership can provide through-ticketing and reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits on eligible partner itineraries. Lounge access and priority services depend on cabin, membership tier and the operating airline’s rules.
Network overview
Where Saudia flies
Saudia operates 346 routes to 77 destinations across 36 countries, its longest sector reaching Washington to Riyadh (10,841 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Saudia flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Washington → Riyadh
10,841 km · IAD → RUH
The longest sector in the Saudia network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Saudia
Notable destinations on Saudia's network.
SVJeddahdirectSVRiyadhdirectSVDammamdirectSVMedinadirectSVAbhadirectSVKuwait CitydirectSVManamadirectSVCairodirectSVTabukdirectSVBuraydahdirectSVColombodirectSVAbu DhabidirectDestination list is indicative of Saudia's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Saudi Arabia
Other airlines based in Saudi Arabia
FAQ
Saudia — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Saudia serves exactly 77 destinations across 36 countries, operating 346 routes.
- Saudia flies throughout Saudi Arabia and to destinations across the Gulf, wider Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. Examples include Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Medina, Cairo, Kuwait City, Colombo and Abu Dhabi.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices displayed.
- Riyadh is Saudia’s busiest departure hub by number of routes. Jeddah is also a major hub, particularly for western Saudi Arabia and pilgrimage traffic.
- Saudia’s longest route is the nonstop service from Washington to Riyadh, covering about 10,841 km.
- Saudia’s busiest departure points by route count are Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Abha. Riyadh and Jeddah provide the broadest range of domestic and international connections.
- Carry-on limits vary by cabin, fare and itinerary, and different rules may apply on partner-operated flights. Check the baggage conditions attached to your booking for the permitted dimensions, weight and number of pieces.
- Fares are often lower when booked outside Hajj, Ramadan, major holidays and school-break peaks. Comparing flexible travel dates and midweek departures can help identify cheaper options.