Riyadh Air will begin daily flights between Manila and Riyadh on September 9, 2026, giving passengers travelling between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia another direct air service.
The Saudi Arabian airline will operate the route using a 290-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Flight RX873 will depart King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 1:05 a.m. local time and arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 3:55 p.m. Return flight RX874 will leave Manila at 5:25 p.m. and arrive in Riyadh at 10:15 p.m.
The new service will operate daily, matching the frequency currently offered by Philippine Airlines (PAL) on the Manila–Riyadh route. Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has also entered the market, operating weekly services between Manila and Riyadh.
Riyadh Air Expands Manila Operations
The launch marks Riyadh Air’s entry into the Philippine market as the airline continues to expand its international network across Asia.
In a statement, Riyadh Air said ticket sales for the new Manila route had opened ahead of the September launch. The airline said the service reflects growing travel demand between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, supported by commercial partnerships, education and leisure travel.
“The new daily service to Manila reflects the expanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines,” the airline said.
It added that the route is expected to support trade and cultural exchange while serving the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia and international travellers.
The airline also said the new service would strengthen Riyadh’s position as a hub for onward international connections across its expanding global network.
Riyadh Air was launched in 2023 as Saudi Arabia’s second national carrier. Its expansion forms part of the Kingdom’s broader aviation and tourism development strategy.
The airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft assigned to the Manila route will have 28 business-class seats, 39 premium-economy seats and 223 economy seats.
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New Carrier Adds Capacity at NAIA
New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), the operator responsible for NAIA, said Riyadh Air’s arrival would provide another option for passengers travelling between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
“The new daily service adds another option for passengers travelling between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, and another international carrier to NAIA’s growing network,” NNIC said.
Jannet Cordero, president and chief executive officer of Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. (PAGSS), said Riyadh Air would become the 48th international airline handled by the company at NAIA.
PAGSS manages ground support operations for passengers and aircraft, including check-in, cargo services, flight dispatch, as well as arrivals and departures at the terminal.
The Manila–Riyadh route is expected to be particularly relevant to the large Filipino community in Saudi Arabia, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), while also serving business, education and leisure travellers.
