Air France-KLM Adding More Flights to Saudi Arabia
The Air France-KLM network in the kingdom is rapidly expanding.
The A350-900 is incredibly aesthetically pleasing. (Picture: Air France)
Air France-KLM Group’s growing interest in the Kingdom
The European group seems to be more and more interested in opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Historically, KLM has had a notable presence in the region; In 1975, KLM operated routes to Jeddah (JED) and Dahran (DHA) from Amsterdam (AMS).
The Group’s Current Routes
As of April 2025, KLM offers a five-weekly flight from its Amsterdam (AMS) hub to Dammam (DMM) via Riyadh (RUH). No fifth freedom rights seemed to have been granted since it is impossible to book the Riyadh (RUH)-Dammam (DMM) segment. The flight is operated using the Dutch flag carrier’s A330-200 and A330-300.
As for Air France, the French airline will operate a three-weekly service between Paris (CDG) and Riyadh (RUH), increasing up to five-weekly flights in June. The comfortable Air France A350-900 is the aircraft chosen for this route.
The leisure carrier of the group; Transavia, also sells flights to Saudi Arabia from France. They currently have two routes, TO8078 from Lyon (LYS) to Jeddah (JED) and TO8080 from Paris (ORY) to Jeddah (JED). Both are flown on the Boeing 737, and they are not stopping there…
Transavia is going full throttle on Saudi Arabia. (Picture: Bene Riobó)
New Transavia Routes From France
This week the French Transavia announced it would be expanding its offer from France to Saudi Arabia in the winter of next year, launching a two-weekly flight from Paris (ORY) to Medina (MED), and adding a one-weekly flight between Marseille (MRS) and Medina (MED) and another one-weekly flight to Jeddah (JED).
The Role of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program
This expansion of services seems to stem from the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, which was established in 2021 to drive economic and touristic growth through airlines, by encouraging them to offer flights to and from the kingdom.
The success of the program speaks for itself, it is in part thanks to it that airlines like Wizz Air, ITA Airways and Eurowings have decided to give routes to Saudi Arabia a try.
Saudia Taking Etihad’s Place?
A while ago we saw Air France and Etihad ending their partnership signed in late 2023, which was the only reason Air France used to offer flights from Paris (CDG) to Abu Dhabi (AUH), flights which were later terminated as of October 27, 2024.
Air France-KLM seems to be looking instead to reinforce its partnership with Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and fellow Skyteam member. With other Skyteam member Delta launching a partnership with the future Riyadh Air, the group could very well align itself with the new Saudi airline as well.
Saudia notably signed an MoU with Air France-KLM last December. (Picture: Saudia)
What’s Next?
I predict Air France and KLM could launch service to Jeddah in order to complement Saudia as the possibility of their partnership getting stronger occurs; it is the second-largest city of Saudi Arabia afterall. I can also see Transavia adding service from Nantes (NTE) to Jeddah (JED).
Conclusion
The Air France-KLM Group is expanding in Saudi Arabia, with new routes to Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH). This move comes a while after the end of the partnership with Etihad, and Air France-KLM seems to be looking to the kingdom’s direction instead.
Where else would you like to see Air France-KLM land?
