Air France launches direct flights between Paris and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh

Air France has launched new direct routes from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

The first flight, operated by an Airbus A350-900, touched down in the Saudi capital on May 20, according to local media reports.

Air France’s new Paris-Riyadh route is a strategic step in linking the two influential capitals, enhancing cultural exchange, expanding tourism prospects, and supporting economic cooperation.

The Airbus A350-900 servicing the route is designed with 324 seats across three cabins—Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.

International traffic surges

Air France’s new Paris-Riyadh route comes as Saudi Arabia continues to witness surging demand for international connectivity.

In 2024, airports across the Kingdom saw a record 128 million passengers.

International flight passengers rose to over 69 million – up 14 percent – while domestic traffic exceeded 59 million passengers – a 16 percent jump from the previous year.

Furthermore, King Abdulaziz International Airport was revealed as the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia, with around 49 million passengers coming through – a 14 per cent year-on-year increase.