From a royal gift to a global carrier: the evolution of Saudi Arabia's airline.

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1945 after a gift of a Douglas DC-3 from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to King Abdulaziz, Saudia has transformed from a government-controlled agency into a major international player. Today, the airline connects over 148 destinations, blending modern aviation technology with unique cultural practices and a rich corporate history.

The origins of Saudia, originally known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, are rooted in the kingdom's early aviation development. Established in September 1945, the airline was initially managed by Trans World Airlines under a contract with the Ministry of Defense. Its first scheduled operations began in March 1947, utilizing five DC-3 aircraft to link Jeddah, Riyadh, Hofuf, and Dhahran. By 1963, King Faisal signed papers establishing the carrier as a fully independent company, marking a significant step toward its modern identity.

Throughout the decades, the airline has undergone numerous transformations, including rebranding efforts and fleet expansions. In 1972, it adopted the name Saudia, later reverting to Saudi Arabian Airlines in 1996 before returning to the Saudia brand in 2012 to celebrate its entry into the SkyTeam alliance. The airline has consistently modernized, introducing jet aircraft in 1962 and later incorporating advanced models like the Boeing 787. By September 2023, the company leaned into its heritage by reintroducing a livery design inspired by the 1970s.

Saudia is distinguished by its adherence to Islamic dietary laws, which prohibit the service of alcohol and pork on board. Its commitment to passenger experience includes specialized prayer areas and recorded prayers played before takeoff. Beyond commercial aviation, the airline has maintained a long-standing association with high-profile sports, sponsoring the Williams Formula One team in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and more recently partnering with the Aston Martin F1 Team and Newcastle United.

Looking toward the future, the airline is undergoing a massive expansion under its SV 2020 Transformation Strategy and subsequent growth plans. With a fleet that included 64 new aircraft by the end of 2012 and a goal to reach 250 destinations by 2030, Saudia continues to integrate digital innovation, such as its GPT-4 powered travel assistant. While the airline plans to vacate its hub at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh by 2030, its role as a primary connector for the Middle East and North Africa remains central to its mission.

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