Air France has officially launched a new direct flight route connecting the French capital, Paris, with Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, in a major stride towards bolstering travel and business ties between the two friendly countries.
The new route, which started operation on May 19, 2025, offers direct flights from King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh and Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport in Paris, according to List Magazine.
During the initial phase, which runs until June 1, 2025, the service operates flights three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Then, it will increase to five days a week, with the addition of Tuesdays and Sundays.
For a seamless and comfortable journey, Air France utilizes a luxury Airbus A350-900, designed with 324 seats across the Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
The new service marks a significant milestone in strengthening Saudi-French ties across various sectors, including business, culture and tourism. On this occasion, the French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Patrick Maisonnave, said: “It’s more than a flight — it’s an invitation to discover France, from Paris to Provence, Alsace to Brittany.”
🇫🇷✈️🇸🇦 A new chapter in French Saudi ties takes flight!@airfrance launched its direct #Riyadh–Paris route. As H.E. Amb. Patrick Maisonnave said:
“It’s more than a flight — it’s an invitation to discover France, from Paris to Provence, Alsace to Brittany.” pic.twitter.com/91l0JZD42s— La France en Arabie (@FranceinKSA) May 21, 2025
The new Air France route adds to the existing services by KLM and Transavia, offering an expanded variety of travel options between Saudi Arabia and Europe. Paris is one of the top travel destinations for Saudis, where visitors can enjoy luxury shopping, culinary treats, and historical monuments, as well as arts and cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Riyadh has established its position as a flourishing hub for business and entertainment, drawing millions of visitors each year with its major events, particularly the world-renowned Riyadh Season.
