British Airways is strengthening its footprint in Saudi Arabia with additional services to Riyadh and Jeddah, reflecting surging demand as the Kingdom records record-breaking tourism figures.
From winter 2026, BA’s Heathrow–Riyadh route will increase to 12 flights per week, rising further to 14 per week in summer 2027. Meanwhile, Jeddah services will expand from four to five weekly flights from summer 2026.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia confirmed a record 32 million visitors during summer 2025, a 26% year-on-year increase, with tourist spending rising 15% to SAR 53.2bn ($14.2bn).
Riyadh: a winter destination on the rise
With winter temperatures in the mid-20s and a fast-evolving cultural calendar, Riyadh is positioning itself as a year-round hub for sport, entertainment and dining. The capital will host two of tennis’s most prestigious fixtures this autumn:
• The Six Kings Slam (15–16 October), featuring Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner among a line-up of six global stars.
• The WTA Finals (1–8 November), where Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek have already qualified to compete for millions in prize money.
The city will also stage the Longines Global Champions Tour Final (30 October–1 November), with showjumping’s elite competing for a record $13.5m purse.
December brings MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2025, the region’s largest music festival, renowned for its blockbuster line-ups and cutting-edge stage production. Previous headliners have included Eminem, Calvin Harris and Linkin Park, underscoring Riyadh’s growing appeal to international audiences.
Meanwhile, Riyadh’s dining scene continues to flourish. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon has opened its doors, alongside a glamorous new branch of London’s Isabel Mayfair, adding Michelin-starred flair and Mediterranean elegance to the city’s offerings.
Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion in tourism – central to Vision 2030’s economic diversification strategy – is creating significant opportunities for UK businesses in aviation, hospitality, and leisure. For British Airways, the expanded routes offer direct access to one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the world, linking London to a destination rapidly reshaping global travel and entertainment.