Malaysia is increasing efforts to grow tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia, its highest-spending source market, which recorded a 23.7 per cent year-on-year increase in 2024, reaching 68,382 visitors.
There are currently 41 weekly flights from Jeddah and Madinah to Kuala Lumpur.
To support growing demand and improve access, Malaysia’s minister of tourism, arts and culture, Tiong King Sing, stated that the ministry is in discussions with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air to explore the reinstatement or expansion of direct flights to Saudi Arabia.
He noted that limited flight availability, particularly for corporate travel, has been a constraint. At present, Saudia is the only airline operating regular commercial services to Malaysia, while Malaysia Airlines mainly serves Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Tiong recently led a delegation of tourism representatives, including hotels, tour operators, and attractions, to Arabian Travel Market in the UAE. This was followed by a sales mission to Riyadh and Jeddah to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia Culture Week 2025, and to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in the Saudi travel market.
Arokia Das Anthony, executive director of The Essence of Asia Tours & Travel, observed that improved air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia could also benefit travellers from neighbouring countries by offering connections via Saudia to Kuala Lumpur.
He also noted a shift in travel preferences, with more Middle Eastern travellers – particularly from Saudi Arabia – now choosing flexible, independent travel over traditional full-board packages.
He shared: “Many now book only accommodation and airport transfers through us, and choose from a list of tours based on their interests. This trend reflects a growing preference for personalised travel experiences.”
