Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to Saudi Arabia

Direct flight routes to Saudi Arabia

Non-stop flights from Europe to Saudi Arabia are limited but available from major European cities.

• London (LHR) – Jeddah (JED): Saudia, 6h 45m


• Paris (CDG) – Riyadh (RUH): Air France, 6h 30m


• Frankfurt (FRA) – Jeddah (JED): Saudia, 6h 15m


• Istanbul (IST) – Riyadh (RUH): Turkish Airlines, 4h 25m


• Rome (FCO) – Jeddah (JED): Saudia, 5h 30m

Layover/stopover options

Dubai (DXB): Emirates hub with efficient 2-3 hour connections. Modern terminal facilities and excellent shopping options. Free city tours available for longer layovers.

Istanbul (IST): Turkish Airlines hub offering competitive fares. Average connection time 3 hours. New airport with Turkish hospitality services and free city tours for 6+ hour layovers.

Doha (DOH): Qatar Airways hub known for consistent service. Minimum connection time 2 hours. Modern airport with quiet rooms and complimentary city tours for longer transits.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Layover options through Middle Eastern hubs often offer 30-50% lower fares with total journey times increased by 3-7 hours.

Tips and recommendations

• Book layover flights with minimum 3-hour connection time during winter to avoid delays due to fog in Gulf airports.


• Consider morning departures from Europe for better connection options in Middle Eastern hubs.


• Flights with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul often offer the best value-for-money ratio.


• Look for fifth freedom flights operated by Gulf carriers between European cities for better deals on direct routes.


• Weekend departures from Europe typically cost more than midweek flights regardless of routing.

• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers consistently lower fares to Jeddah and Riyadh, often 20-30% below market average. The airline’s A330-300 features 31-inch pitch in economy with above-average 18-inch seat width. Their lengthy 4-6 hour layovers in Istanbul can be turned into an advantage with free city tours for layovers over 6 hours.
• Flying from secondary European airports like Budapest or Warsaw to Dammam via Qatar Airways routinely yields savings of up to 25% compared to major hubs. Qatar’s modern A350s and 787s offer superior comfort with 32-inch pitch and 18-inch width in economy. Their connection times in Doha average just 2-3 hours.
• Etihad Airways has introduced competitive “neighbor-free seat” options on their European routes to Saudi Arabia, allowing economy passengers to bid for adjacent empty seats. Their Boeing 787-9 flights from major European cities connect through Abu Dhabi with typical fares 15% below direct options.
• Kuwait Airways’ fifth freedom routes from Frankfurt and Paris to Saudi Arabia offer an overlooked budget option, with fares typically 30% lower than major Gulf carriers. Their recently refurbished A330-800neo aircraft feature modern interiors with 32-inch pitch. The airline has expanded its Saudi Arabia network to include Medina and Taif in 2024.
• For premium economy value, Saudia’s direct flights from London, Paris, and Frankfurt offer the best price-to-comfort ratio in the market. Their new A330-300 premium economy provides 38-inch pitch and dedicated cabin service at prices often just 40% above regular economy. The airline has also introduced flexible “overnight stopover” programs in Jeddah or Riyadh at partnering hotels.

1. Avoiding layover options in Gulf hubs Many travelers skip cheaper and more convenient flight options via Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi, missing out on superior service and often better aircraft on these routes.
2. Booking flights during Hajj season Flying to Saudi Arabia during the annual pilgrimage period (dates vary yearly) results in extremely high fares and overcrowded airports, particularly in Jeddah and Medina.
3. Not checking visa requirements before booking Many Europeans assume they can get a visa on arrival or book flights without having their business/tourist visa pre-arranged, which can result in being denied boarding at departure.
4. Choosing wrong arrival airport Travelers often book flights to Jeddah when their final destination is closer to Dammam or Riyadh, leading to unnecessary domestic transfers and additional travel time.
5. Booking early morning departures from Saudi airports Early morning flights often face delays due to airport congestion during peak business travel times, making mid-day departures a more reliable choice.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most extensive European network with connections to Saudi Arabia from 27 European airports, including London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Frankfurt.

Turkish Airlines offers convenient layovers in Istanbul, typically under 4 hours. Economy class features comfortable seats with 31-32 inch pitch and award-winning Turkish cuisine. Their modern fleet of A330s and B777s serving Saudi routes consistently receives high passenger ratings for service quality. The airline maintains an 8.2/10 average passenger satisfaction score for Europe-Saudi Arabia routes.

Emirates

Best for: Superior onboard experience and entertainment, connecting from 15 European cities, mainly London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Munich.

Despite slightly longer layovers in Dubai, Emirates compensates with exceptional service quality. Economy passengers enjoy generous 32-34 inch seat pitch, multicourse meals, and over 5,000 entertainment channels. The airline operates primarily A380s and B777s on these routes, consistently earning 8.5/10 passenger ratings for comfort and service.

Saudia

Best for: Direct flights from 8 European cities, including London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Frankfurt, with culturally appropriate service for Saudi Arabia-bound travelers.

As Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia offers the advantage of direct flights on many routes. Economy class provides 32-inch seat pitch, halal meals, and prayer spaces. Their newer A320 and B787 fleet serving European routes receives 7.8/10 average ratings, with particular praise for cultural sensitivity and direct routing options.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Premium economy experience at regular economy prices, operating from 12 European cities, mainly London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Rome.

Etihad’s Economy Space seats offer 33-36 inch pitch, among the most generous in its class. Abu Dhabi layovers are efficiently timed at 2-4 hours. Their A350 and B787 aircraft feature enhanced air filtration systems and improved humidity control. Passengers consistently rate their Europe-Saudi Arabia services 8.0/10, particularly noting the superior seat comfort and air quality.

Using APAC carriers for Europe-Saudi routes

Savvy travelers can significantly reduce costs on Europe-Saudi Arabia flights by incorporating Asian regional carriers into their itinerary. This strategy, known as “piecing together” segments, can yield savings of up to 40% compared to direct routes.

Key advantages of this approach

1. Lower base fares: Airlines like Air Asia, Scoot, and Thai Lion Air typically offer more competitive rates than major Gulf carriers
2. Flexible routing options: Using Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore as transit points opens up multiple connection possibilities
3. Seasonal promotions: Regional APAC carriers frequently run sales that can be combined with European departure flights

Best practices for implementation

Book the long-haul segment from Europe to a major Asian hub separately, then connect to Saudi Arabia using regional carriers. Bangkok is particularly advantageous as a connection point, with numerous budget airlines offering routes to Jeddah and Riyadh.

Consider booking 6-8 months ahead when combining these segments, as regional carriers typically release their lowest fares during this window. Allow minimum 4-hour connections to account for separate bookings and potential delays.