Kuala lumpur: Riyadh Air has launched direct flights between Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur, making the Malaysian capital its first gateway into Southeast Asia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Saudi Arabian carrier began its inaugural Riyadh-Kuala Lumpur service on July 30 and will operate three weekly return flights between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The airline announced that the new nonstop service represents a strategic expansion, enhancing connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, a key market in Southeast Asia.

Riyadh Air's chief executive officer, Tony Douglas, highlighted that the new route is more than just a direct connection between two capitals. It serves as a bridge between Saudi Arabia and the broader ASEAN region. The service aims to facilitate travel for business, tourism, and education, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 by providing a modern, technology-driven travel experience.

Malaysia Airports managing director, Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, noted that Riyadh Air's entry as the ninth West Asian airline to serve KLIA strengthens the airport's connectivity with a region increasingly significant for tourism, trade, and investment. He emphasized the importance of expanding the network to offer guests more choices and reinforcing KLIA's role as a gateway between Southeast Asia and the world.

The inaugural service was celebrated with ceremonies in both Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur. Events included a check-in ceremony at King Khalid International Airport and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at KLIA. The latter was attended by notable figures, including Saudi Ambassador to Malaysia Osamah Dakhel Al-Ahmadi, Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Muniayan, Mohd Izani, Riyadh Air chief commercial officer Vincent Coste, and other senior airport and government officials.