Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has officially launched its first direct flight from Seoul to Riyadh as the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner (flight SV899)  successfully departed Incheon International Airport at 9:40 PM on 19 August, landing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh early Wednesday morning.

With this milestone route, Engr. Ahmed Alwassiah, Chief Operating Officer of SAUDIA, said the airline is not only connecting tourists but also helping facilitate the transfer of knowledge and services between both countries to enhance their local businesses, logistics framework, and manufacturing infrastructure.

“The flight schedule between the two countries will be under constant review to ensure that flights and seating capacity successfully meet operational requirements,” he noted.

SAUDIA celebrated the new route between Saudi Arabia and South Korea with a receptive ceremony in Seoul that showcased aspects of both country’s cultures. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, diplomats and members of the media, as well as partners from the domestic travel and tourism sectors.

The landmark route is part of SAUDIA’s strategy to expand its network of more than 100 global destinations and improve the carrier’s competitive position internationally to further solidify the airline’s role in bringing the world to the Kingdom.

The milestone Seoul-Riyadh flight follows SAUDIA flight SV898 from Riyadh to Seoul. The departure flight was greeted at Incheon International Airport with the traditional water salute.

A spokeperson from Saudia said the airline will operate three weekly passenger flights in this new route, which will also carry cargo along with them.

Updated with comments from Saudia