Saudia to resume direct Moscow-Jeddah flights in December

Resuming flights after a pause

From 1 December Saudia plans to bring back direct services from Jeddah to Moscow. The flights will run three times a week on the wide‑body Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner. According to the timetable, the Jeddah departure is set for the morning, while the return from Moscow is scheduled for the evening.

Why the flights were halted

At the end of February 2023 Saudia had to suspend the Jeddah‑Moscow route because the armed conflict in the Persian Gulf escalated. In August the airline tried to slot the service into its winter schedule, aiming for an 08:00 departure from Jeddah and a 16:35 return from Moscow, but in October the situation worsened: Houthi forces started shelling civilian targets in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh’s airport, causing casualties and prompting Gulf carriers to cancel part of their flights to the kingdom.

Current state of tourism

Although Jeddah airport and the Red Sea resorts have escaped damage, the lack of direct flights means tour operators are selling trips to Saudi Arabia via connections on Arab airlines. The bulk of demand comes from pilgrims and “Umrah +” packages that combine a visit to Islam’s holy sites with a stay on the Red Sea coast, including the new Red Sea projects.

Official comments

Dmitry Arutyunov, head of the tour operator Art‑Tour, said he hopes “nothing will stand in the way” of restarting the flight program. Lyubov Chuchmaeva, deputy general director of PAKS, called the news about the route’s return a positive development.

Restrictions and current status

There are no official restrictions for Russian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Economic Development lifted its recommendation to suspend tour sales on 19 June, easing operators’ work. Hotels, restaurants and malls keep operating, although some autumn cultural and sporting events have been postponed or cancelled.

What this means for travelers

The return of a direct link makes getting to Jeddah and the Red Sea simpler, especially for those who want to pair a pilgrimage with a beach break. While connecting flights remain the only option for now, a nonstop service can shave off travel time and potentially lower ticket prices. Still, prospective travelers should remember that the regional situation stays fluid and some events may be called off for safety reasons.

How to prepare for the trip

• Check that your visa requirements are up‑to‑date and that you have all necessary documents.
• Keep an eye on Saudia’s schedule, as departure and arrival times may still be adjusted.
• Note that the country experienced shelling in October‑November, so review the latest safety advisories.
• If you’re planning a Red Sea holiday, focus on resorts that have not been affected by the conflict.

The route’s revival is a good sign for tourism, but a sensible approach to planning remains essential.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.