Singapore Airlines is set to expand its network in 2026 by launching a new route to Riyadh and increasing flight frequencies to several destinations across Asia. The airline will operate four-times-weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Riyadh from June 2026 using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which feature 303 seats. Riyadh will be only the second Saudi city served by SIA, after Jeddah, reflecting the airline's focus on regional connectivity.
In addition to the new route, existing services will also see capacity increases. From late March, Bangkok will have seven daily flights, Yangon will increase from seven to ten weekly services by the end of March, and Surabaya will see a rise from 19 to 21 flights each week. Singapore Airlines will also continue operating the Airbus A380 on its Singapore-Dubai route during the summer season, a move that caters to high demand on key international routes.
Regional carrier Originair has introduced a direct service connecting Christchurch and Nelson, with flights operating twice weekly using British Aerospace Jetstream 32 turboprops, which carry 18 seats. The new service is aimed at improving regional connectivity, facilitating both leisure and business travel within New Zealand's South Island.
Furthermore, Malaysia Aviation Group plans to operate more than 2,700 domestic flights during the Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri period. Both Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will deploy larger aircraft on busy routes and introduce red-eye services, increasing capacity to meet seasonal demand. Meanwhile, airline Air Astana is expanding its international network by launching flights between Almaty and Shanghai with Airbus A321LR aircraft, and resuming service to Baku with a schedule that will see flights operate multiple times weekly with schedule adjustments in the spring and early summer seasons.
