Riyadh Hosts Switchblade Flying Car at Sand & Fun Airshow: A Step Forward for Tourism Travel, All You Need To Know

Published on December 5, 2025

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recently hosted the Sand & Fun Airshow, a major aviation event that highlighted the potential of cutting-edge travel technology, including the innovative Switchblade Flying Car. This event, which drew thousands of aviation enthusiasts from across the globe, is set to revolutionise both the tourism and business travel landscapes in Saudi Arabia, with the Switchblade standing at the forefront of this transformation.

Held annually, the Sand & Fun Airshow has become a key gathering for aviation professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators. This year, the event attracted over 120,000 visitors from more than 90 countries, cementing its place as the Middle East’s premier aviation exhibition. The spotlight, however, was on the Switchblade Flying Car, designed and manufactured by the Oregon-based Samson Sky. The vehicle, which merges the convenience of a sports car with the cutting-edge capabilities of an aircraft, promises to redefine travel within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The Switchblade Flying Car: A New Horizon for Travel

The Switchblade, which boasts the ability to transition from a car to an aircraft in just three minutes, is a hybrid-electric vehicle that can fit into a standard garage. This unique flying car can be driven on local roads before transforming at a nearby airport into an aircraft capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 mph/257 km/h. With its sleek design and impressive performance metrics, including a 0–60 mph acceleration in just five seconds, the Switchblade provides a seamless solution for short to mid-distance travel.

For tourism, the Switchblade opens new doors to explore Saudi Arabia’s vast and diverse regions. With Saudi Vision 2030 focused on enhancing connectivity to over 250 destinations, the Switchblade Flying Car aligns perfectly with the country’s ambition to become a global tourism and trade hub. As regional travel becomes more accessible, tourists will benefit from enhanced mobility, allowing them to explore destinations previously difficult to reach by traditional means of transport.

A Strategic Partnership to Foster Tourism

At the opening of this year’s Sand & Fun Airshow, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Samson Sky and the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC). This partnership is pivotal in integrating the Switchblade into Saudi Arabia’s travel ecosystem. As part of the agreement, Samson Sky will assist in training mechanics and pilots for the Switchblade, while also facilitating its approval for use in the Kingdom. The SAC will also provide access to its airports, enabling Switchblade owners to operate their vehicles across the country.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Vision 2030 is clear, with the country working to enhance its appeal as a travel destination. The introduction of flying cars like the Switchblade could be a game changer, offering tourists more flexibility and ease when navigating between destinations, whether for leisure or business. As the Kingdom looks to foster a culture of aviation and further diversify its tourism offerings, the Switchblade Flying Car is well poised to play a key role in this evolution.

Impact on Regional and International Travel

With the successful first flight of the Switchblade in November 2023, its integration into Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure is expected to revolutionise regional travel. The flying car’s hybrid-electric engine allows it to fly up to 500 miles (805 km) on a single tank of premium auto fuel, making it an ideal option for short-haul flights between cities and tourist destinations. Saudi Arabia, with its vast landscape and diverse attractions, will benefit immensely from this type of mobility, allowing travellers to easily explore the country’s top destinations in record time.

For business travellers, the Switchblade offers a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional air travel. The convenience of transitioning from road to air travel could reduce travel time, making it easier for business professionals to navigate the Kingdom’s growing economic landscape. With the introduction of this innovative mode of transport, Saudi Arabia is setting the stage for a future where transportation is more integrated, sustainable, and efficient.

The Road Ahead for the Switchblade Flying Car in Saudi Arabia

Samson Sky, the company behind the Switchblade, has already garnered nearly 2,500 reservations from over 50 countries, representing a future revenue of over 500 million USD. With Saudi Arabia emerging as a key market for the flying car, the collaboration between Samson Sky and the Saudi Aviation Club signals a new chapter in the development of futuristic transportation solutions.

In addition to the Switchblade’s potential to enhance tourism, its adoption by private and commercial owners could open the door to a new era of express courier services. As the technology matures, future plans for certified commercial versions of the Switchblade could further impact business logistics and passenger travel in the Kingdom and internationally.

A New Era of Travel in Saudi Arabia

The Switchblade Flying Car could be the catalyst that redefines travel in Saudi Arabia, aligning perfectly with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals. With enhanced mobility options and increased connectivity, both tourists and business travellers can expect a more seamless and efficient experience. The Sand & Fun Airshow not only showcased the future of aviation but also introduced a transformative solution for exploring Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and vibrant destinations.