Riyadh Air launched daily flights between Riyadh and Manila on September 9, confirming the inaugural service had landed in the Philippine capital.
The route adds a direct connection between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines as the carrier develops its Asian network. Manila was announced alongside new services to Islamabad and Lahore, extending its reach across South and Southeast Asia.
“Our inaugural flight has officially touched down in the capital of the Philippines, beginning a new daily service between Riyadh and Manila,” the airline said in its launch announcement.
The service connects King Khalid International Airport with Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Riyadh Air scheduled Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for the route, offering Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
The launch timetable listed flight RX873 departing Riyadh at 01:05 and arriving in Manila at 15:55. The return service, RX874, was scheduled to leave Manila at 17:25 and reach Riyadh at 22:15. All times are local.
Riyadh Air has positioned the connection around travel demand between the two countries, including the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia and business and leisure passengers.
In its earlier route announcement, the airline also highlighted commercial partnerships, education and wellness tourism as drivers of travel between the two markets.
The Manila launch follows the carrier’s expansion into other Asian destinations, including Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur. It forms part of efforts to develop Riyadh as an international aviation hub under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme.
“With flights operating every day, this new route expands our global network and creates more opportunities for travel between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines,” the airline said.