Travelling within the Gulf by flights has always been the best option. But recently things have changed and flying from Dubai to Riyadh has become expensive. Frequent flyers have called out the hike in the airfares on the Dubai Riyadh route. The once predictable Gulf hop has seen a sharp jump in flight ticket prices, placing it among the fastest-rising international air routes right now.
Dubai To Riyadh Airfare Surges As Demand Hits New Highs
The numbers are proof that airfares on the Dubai–Riyadh route climbed by 6% compared to 2024, This marked the second-highest increase across cross-border travel routes globally. According to coverage by Times of Dubai, the price surge reflects a powerful mix of demand drivers and we can’t see it slowing down any time soon.
A Busy Route Getting Busier By The Month
In 2025, the average round-trip airfare between Dubai and Riyadh hovered around $267, roughly AED980. This route attracts travellers who fly multiple times a year, so we understand the increased demand is one of the factors for the surge.
What makes this more striking is the sheer scale of traffic. Airlines opened more than 4.4 million seats on this corridor last year alone. This placed the route among the top ten busiest international routes worldwide.
Why Prices Keep Climbing Despite More Flights
The increase in seat capacity should actually reverse the prices but in reality, demand is running faster than supply.
Business travel leads the charge. Gulf companies continue to expand across borders, and executives fly frequently for meetings, deals, and short-notice trips. Flexibility matters more than cost, and airlines price accordingly.
Religious and leisure travel also play a major role. Saudi Arabia’s simplified visa process has encouraged more international pilgrims, while holiday traffic between the two cities continues to grow year-round.
Add airport pressure to the mix. Dubai International Airport remains one of the busiest airports on Earth, handling enormous passenger volumes daily. Riyadh, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the most in-demand destinations departing from Dubai.
These forces combined keep pressure on fares, even as airlines add more flights.
What This Means for Regular Travellers
For tourists, higher prices may force tougher choices. Short leisure trips could shrink, or travellers may look harder for deals and alternative travel dates. For business flyers, convenience still wins. This route offers frequency, speed, and reliability, making it difficult to replace. Advance booking now matters more than ever. Travellers who lock in tickets early often avoid the worst of the price hikes. Flexible dates help too, especially outside peak business and pilgrimage periods.
Airlines are watching closely. As demand continues to surge, expect further capacity increases and service upgrades. Whether that brings prices down is another question.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ dblight from Getty Images Signature, HansMusa from Getty Images Pro
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