Air France Launches Direct A350-900 Flights to Riyadh
Air France Launches Direct Flights from Paris to Riyadh
Air France is set to expand its international offerings by launching direct flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Starting May 19, 2025, this new route will cater to travelers seeking convenient access to the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, enhancing connections between France and the Middle East.
Flight Details and Schedule
The new service will initially operate three times a week, increasing to five times weekly by June 2, 2025. Air France will utilize its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which features 324 seats across three distinct cabin classes:
- Business Class: 34 seats
- Premium Economy: 24 seats
- Economy Class: 266 seats
Convenient Flight Times
Travelers can look forward to a comfortable six-hour journey with the following flight schedule:
- Flight AF684: Departing Paris at 23:20 local time, arriving in Riyadh at 06:25 local time the next day.
- Flight AF685: Departing Riyadh at 08:40 local time, arriving in Paris at 14:20 local time.
Enhanced Connectivity in Saudi Arabia
This new route aligns with Air France-KLM Group’s strategy to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia. With all three airlines within the group—Air France, KLM, and Transavia—connecting to the Kingdom, travelers will enjoy multiple options for their travel plans. Transavia has been operating flights from Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) to Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) since December 2024, while KLM links Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport (AMS) to both Riyadh and Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport (DAM).
Tourist Appeal: Paris and Riyadh
Riyadh is poised to attract even more visitors as Air France sets its sights on this growing market. In 2023, around 140,000 tourists from Saudi Arabia visited France, drawn by the rich history, culture, and luxury shopping experiences that Paris offers. The new flights will likely bolster these numbers, providing seamless travel options for Saudi tourists eager to explore the French capital.
For more information about Air France’s services, you can visit their official website here.
Conclusion: Your Thoughts?
As Air France prepares to launch its direct flights to Riyadh, what are your thoughts on this new service? Will it encourage more travel between France and Saudi Arabia? Share your views in the comments below or explore related articles to learn more about travel trends and airline services!
