Azimuth Airlines Connects Russia’s Makhachkala, Mineralnye Vody, and Sochi to Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah and Riyadh: Here’s What You Need to Know About The New Era in Air Connectivity

Published on December 6, 2025

In an exciting development for both Russia and Saudi Arabia, Azimuth Airlines is set to commence passenger flights to Saudi Arabia starting December 6, 2025. This marks the airline’s first foray into the Saudi market, following the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s (GACA) approval and the granting of an economic license to Azimuth Airlines. The new routes are expected to significantly enhance the travel connections between Russia and Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s strategic goals to bolster air connectivity as part of its wider economic transformation under Saudi Vision 2030.

New Air Routes from Russia to Saudi Arabia

Starting on December 6, Azimuth Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody in Russia to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. These flights will provide a vital new link for travelers between two countries that are rapidly expanding their international travel opportunities. This move supports Saudi Arabia’s broader goal to diversify its economy and enhance its position as a key global logistics hub.

Looking ahead, from March 3, 2026, Azimuth Airlines will introduce an additional route, operating two weekly flights from Sochi to Riyadh. These new services will create more options for both leisure and business travelers between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly as Saudi Arabia continues to ramp up its tourism and investment efforts as part of Vision 2030.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The expansion of Azimuth Airlines into the Saudi market directly supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, a long-term strategy aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics, tourism, and business hub. The Kingdom’s aviation program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy is a key pillar in this transformation, aiming to open new routes, attract international airlines, and expand the Kingdom’s air connectivity to major global markets.

The new routes between Russia and Saudi Arabia will not only facilitate business and leisure travel but also play a role in the broader effort to improve tourism to Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has been actively investing in its tourism infrastructure to attract international visitors, and the establishment of direct flights is a vital step in this direction. By increasing accessibility from Russia, which has a significant travel market, Saudi Arabia hopes to draw more tourists, business professionals, and investors, thereby boosting its economy.

What Travelers Need to Know About These New Routes

For travelers planning to take advantage of the new flights, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Booking Flights: Passengers can now book direct flights between Russia and Saudi Arabia via Azimuth Airlines. It’s recommended to check availability for both the Makhachkala-Jeddah and Mineralnye Vody-Jeddah routes, which will operate three times a week starting December 6, 2025. The Sochi-Riyadh route will begin in March 2026.
• Visa Requirements: Travelers from Russia to Saudi Arabia must ensure that they meet the visa requirements for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has recently streamlined its visa policies, making it easier for tourists, businesspeople, and even religious travelers to visit. Check the Saudi visa portal for up-to-date information on application processes and requirements.
• Travel Tips: Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a key destination for international tourists, with attractions like the Red Sea coast, Al-Ula, and the capital Riyadh offering unique cultural and historical experiences. When visiting, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with local customs, as Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions.
• Accommodation Options: As part of its tourism expansion, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in hospitality development, offering world-class hotels, resorts, and unique experiences, particularly around the Red Sea and historic Riyadh. Booking your accommodation in advance is essential, particularly for travelers seeking to explore the nation’s growing cultural, entertainment, and business sectors.

Additional Insights on Saudi Arabia’s Growing Tourism Industry

Beyond its aviation connections, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Middle East. With the relaxation of strict entry regulations and the introduction of the Saudi tourist visa, international tourists are now able to explore the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and modern developments.

Key attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Al-Ula, the futuristic city of NEOM, and the luxurious Red Sea resorts are just a few examples of the Kingdom’s tourism offerings. Saudi Arabia is also investing heavily in cultural events, sports, and entertainment as part of its diversification efforts, hosting global events like Formula E races, Red Sea Film Festival, and the development of major music festivals.

These developments are expected to increase the number of visitors to Saudi Arabia and contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s non-oil economy, further bolstering its vision for the future.

Future Prospects and Long-Term Impact

As Azimuth Airlines continues to expand its operations into Saudi Arabia, travelers can expect even more routes and options to emerge over time, helping to build stronger ties between Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This development could also encourage other international airlines to consider launching direct flights to Saudi Arabia, increasing competition and making travel more accessible and affordable for travelers from across the globe.

The successful implementation of these flights will provide a template for future collaborations between Russia and Saudi Arabia, expanding opportunities for both nations to grow their business, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Saudi Arabia is expected to continue its focus on becoming a global logistics and tourism hub, with growing interest from both businesses and tourists alike. The increasing connectivity via air travel will play a significant role in achieving this ambitious goal.