All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Saudi Arabia's newest carrier, Riyadh Air, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on network development, including potential codeshare agreements. The deal is designed to create smoother travel links between Tokyo and Riyadh, with both airlines leveraging their respective hubs to feed traffic across the Japan–Middle East corridor.
Riyadh Air, which launched operations in June, has been rapidly building its route network. The carrier recently added four new destinations from its Riyadh base—Dhaka, Islamabad, Lahore, and Mumbai—operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft on a daily basis. That brings the airline's current network to nine cities, with plans to reach 22 destinations by March 2027 and more than 100 international cities by 2030.
ANA CEO Juichi Hirasawa said the partnership reflects ANA's ambition to strengthen connections between Japan and Saudi Arabia, as well as the wider Middle East, a region he described as experiencing significant economic growth. The MoU lays the groundwork for a deeper commercial relationship, potentially including codeshare flights, interline connections, and coordinated scheduling.
Strategic alignment for both carriers
For ANA, the agreement opens a new gateway into the Gulf and beyond. Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports already serve as major international hubs, and adding Riyadh Air as a partner could funnel passengers from Saudi Arabia and neighboring markets onto ANA's extensive Asian network. Conversely, Riyadh Air gains access to ANA's strong presence in Japan and its broader Star Alliance connections, though Riyadh Air is not yet a member of any global alliance.
The collaboration also aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and boost tourism. Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund, is a key pillar of that strategy, and its rapid expansion is already reshaping air travel in the region. The airline's recent route additions to South Asia highlight its focus on high-demand markets, while future growth is expected to target Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Industry observers note that the MoU could evolve into a more formal joint venture or frequent-flyer partnership, similar to other bilateral agreements in the region. For travel agents and corporate buyers, the potential codeshare would simplify itineraries and offer more seamless connections between Japan and Saudi Arabia, a route that currently requires transfers in hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul.
The news comes as Gulf carriers continue to rebuild long-haul networks, and as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in its aviation infrastructure. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport is undergoing expansion, and the new King Salman International Airport is planned to become one of the world's largest. These developments are expected to support the growth of both Riyadh Air and the broader Saudi aviation sector.
For ANA, the partnership is part of a broader strategy to expand its international footprint beyond traditional markets. The airline has been adding routes across Asia and Europe, and the Middle East represents a growing opportunity, particularly for business travel and cargo. The MoU with Riyadh Air could also open doors for ANA to serve other Saudi cities in the future, should demand warrant.
Travel industry stakeholders, including hoteliers and tour operators, are likely to watch the partnership closely. Increased air connectivity between Japan and Saudi Arabia could stimulate tourism flows in both directions, supporting the rebound in Gulf hotel bookings and boosting demand for luxury travel experiences in the region.
Riyadh Air's expansion has already drawn attention from the travel trade, with recent route launches to Islamabad and Lahore generating interest among agents serving the South Asian diaspora. The airline's partnership with ANA could further enhance its appeal, offering passengers a single-ticket option to Japan and onward connections to North America and other Asian destinations.
As both carriers move forward, the focus will be on implementing the MoU's provisions and delivering tangible benefits to passengers. Codeshare flights could begin as early as next year, pending regulatory approvals and operational readiness. In the meantime, the agreement signals a growing trend of collaboration between established Asian carriers and new Gulf entrants, as the region's aviation landscape continues to evolve.
