Saudi airline delays first direct flight service to Japan

A Saudi Arabian airline has postponed the launch of direct passenger flights to Japan, due to worsening security conditions in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia's flagship carrier Saudia had planned to begin the regular service linking Riyadh and Narita International Airport near Tokyo on November 17. This would be the first direct air link between the two nations. But sources say Saudia has officially notified Narita Airport authorities that the launch will be delayed.

The decision follows a deterioration in the regional security situation. In October, attacks at Riyadh's international airport caused more than 300 casualties. Exchanges of attacks between Saudi Arabia and the anti-government Houthi group in Yemen have also intensified.

The direct service is expected to meet business demand, particularly from companies involved in the energy sector.

Sources say Saudia is now aiming to launch the route around mid-January, depending on regional developments.

The security concerns over Saudi Arabia are having broader repercussions. The Asian Cup soccer tournament was scheduled to begin in the country in January next year, but has been postponed until December 2027.

xinhua