Air France is expanding its network by introducing a direct route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Riyadh. Starting May 19, 2025, this new service will strengthen travel links between Europe and Saudi Arabia, making journeys more convenient for passengers.

At first, Air France will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However, from June 2, the airline will increase this to five flights per week, adding services on Tuesdays and Sundays. To ensure a comfortable experience, the airline will deploy the Airbus A350-900, which offers 324 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.

Passengers can also benefit from well-planned schedules. The outbound flight, AF684, will depart Paris at 11:20 p.m., reaching Riyadh by 6:25 a.m. Meanwhile, the return flight, AF685, will leave Riyadh at 8:40 a.m., arriving in Paris by 2:20 p.m. As a result, travelers will have more flexibility when planning their trips.

This expansion aligns with Air France-KLM Group’s broader goal of increasing its presence in Saudi Arabia. Currently, Transavia France connects Paris-Orly and Lyon to Jeddah, while KLM serves Riyadh and Dammam from Amsterdam. By launching this route, Air France is also strengthening its partnership with Saudia Airlines, offering better connections between the two regions.

Riyadh, a city that blends history with modern development, continues to grow as a key destination. Since gaining UNESCO World Heritage status in 2020, the city has invested in infrastructure, business hubs, and entertainment projects. As a result, it is attracting more global travelers.

Several international airlines have also increased flights to Riyadh. For example, Cathay Pacific resumed services from Hong Kong in October 2024. Similarly, Air India Express launched flights from Kerala, while Virgin Atlantic plans daily services, anticipating stronger UK-Saudi trade relations. Additionally, Akasa Air began operations between Mumbai and Riyadh in June 2024.

With Saudi Arabia’s economy expanding rapidly, Riyadh is becoming a major global hub. The rising number of international flights confirms its growing importance for business and leisure travelers.

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