When Air France launched its Riyadh route last year, it was more than a network addition. It was a strategic signal. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its aviation expansion under Vision 2030, the Franco-Dutch airline group is deepening its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets. In an exclusive conversation, Raza Syed, Country Manager – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at Air France-KLM, outlines why Riyadh has become central to the group’s Middle East ambitions.
Riyadh’s Strategic Role
Saudi Arabia is not a new market for the group. KLM has operated in the Kingdom for 75 years. But the launch of Air France’s Paris–Riyadh service marks a renewed long-term commitment. “Together, Air France and KLM now operate a total of nine weekly flights to Saudi Arabia,” Syed explains. “Riyadh plays a strategic role within our Middle East and global network, driven by the Kingdom’s strong economic momentum, Vision 2030 tourism ambitions, and growing demand for business, leisure, VFR, and pilgrimage travel.” With Riyadh emerging as a regional headquarters hub for international and French companies, and Paris and Amsterdam ranking among the most visited westbound destinations from the city, the route strengthens connectivity while reinforcing the group’s premium positioning.
“Riyadh is recognized as a gateway to one of the fastest-growing markets in the world,” Syed says. “Paris is the second-largest westbound destination from Saudi Arabia, and the Riyadh service strengthens connectivity not only to France but onward to Europe, the Americas, and beyond through our global hub, Charles de Gaulle.” The group’s footprint extends beyond Riyadh. Transavia operates from Jeddah and Medinah, while an enhanced codeshare agreement with Saudia expands domestic connectivity within the Kingdom, offering smoother onward connections via Paris and Amsterdam.
A Balanced Demand Mix: Corporate, Leisure and Pilgrimage
The Riyadh route is not reliant on a single traffic stream. According to Syed, demand is well diversified. “The route benefits from strong corporate and government travel, steadily growing leisure demand, and increasing VFR traffic driven by the Kingdom’s large expatriate population,” he notes. Connecting traffic via Paris and Amsterdam is rising, while pilgrimage travel during Hajj and Umrah seasons adds further stability to overall demand. Air France positions itself on French elegance, Michelin-starred cuisine and refined cabin design, while KLM emphasizes Dutch hospitality and personalized service. Together, Syed says, the complementary brand identities allow the group to cater to diverse customer expectations while maintaining a strong premium proposition.
A Market Transformed Under Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape today looks markedly different from just a few years ago. “The transformation has been profound,” Syed says. “Compared to three to five years ago, Saudi Arabia is significantly more diversified, globally connected, and supported by major infrastructure developments.” Mega projects such as Diriyah, Qiddiya, Riyadh Season, King Salman Park and Sports Boulevard have fundamentally reshaped travel demand and accelerated market maturity. It is obvious that international carriers are racing to expand in the Kingdom. For Syed, the appeal is clear.
“Saudi Arabia offers a unique combination of scale, strong outbound demand, and long-term visibility,” he explains. Major milestones including Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034 provide tangible demand drivers, while sustained investment in aviation and tourism creates confidence for long-term network planning.
Looking ahead, Syed sees sustained growth across premium and business travel, rising leisure and VFR demand, and increasing international mobility driven by Vision 2030 initiatives. “Global events such as Expo 2030 and the World Cup 2034 will further accelerate long-haul demand,” he says.
