Germany and Saudi Arabia will rekindle a vital travel link this autumn as Lufthansa resumes direct services between Munich and Riyadh. Scheduled to recommence on 26 October 2025, this relaunch marks the return of a route that lay dormant since 2017—now reimagined for modern demands. Aboard the state-of-the-art Airbus A350‑900, offering 293 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, passengers can look forward to enhanced comfort and efficiency facilitated by the aircraft’s advanced design.
The three-weekly schedule—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—sees flight LH640 departing Munich at 21:45 and arriving in Riyadh at 04:50 the next day. The return leg, LH641, leaves Riyadh at 06:25 and lands in Munich at 10:25, offering optimal connectivity through Lufthansa’s expansive global network.
This relaunch is perfectly timed with Lufthansa marking the 65th anniversary of its first ever flight to Saudi Arabia—an initiative now reinvigorated to meet contemporary needs. The Munich–Riyadh route significantly broadens the Lufthansa Group’s presence in Saudi Arabia, adding to an annual offering of 22 weekly departures to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah—bolstering a network of over 120 weekly connections to the Middle East.
Riyadh: A Fast-Evolving Destination
Riyadh is rapidly evolving into a global center for tourism, culture, business, and mega‑events. The city hosts institutions such as the National Museum and Al Masmak Fortress, enriched by new developments like Wadi Namar and the redesigned urban landscape. Saudis’ Vision 2030 is steering this transformation—backed by major infrastructure investments, reduced hotel fees, and a surge in new hospitality projects. Riyadh is slated to host Expo 2030, and the FIFA World Cup 2034, further anchoring its global appeal.
Enhancing Travel Experience
Passengers traveling on this revived route will benefit from contemporary in‑flight features and seamless transfers via Munich, ensuring efficient onward connectivity across Europe and beyond. The Airbus A350‑900 not only enhances comfort with its quieter cabin and improved air quality, it also aligns with environmental goals through better fuel efficiency—a win for travelers and sustainability alike.
Economic and Strategic Impacts
Lufthansa’s decision reflects broader strategic ambitions: leveraging Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism sector and diversifying economy. Between 2023 and 2025, the Kingdom’s non‑oil GDP grew by 4.2%, while tourism spending surged—underlining a shift toward high-value services and events. Lufthansa’s relaunch exemplifies this shift, offering premium travel options to target both business and luxury tourism segments.
Moreover, the airline’s prudent financial stewardship—including significant fuel cost hedging and liquidity reserves—coupled with the A350‑900’s efficiency, positions Lufthansa to manage operational costs effectively in this emerging corridor.
What This Means for Travelers
For the business traveler, this route provides direct access to Europe’s industrial and financial hubs via Munich. German and Saudi firms alike benefit from smoother logistics and transit. For the leisure traveler, the route opens up opportunities to explore Riyadh’s rich heritage, discover its modern luxury, or experience upcoming festivals and events.
Looking Ahead
As Saudi Arabia continues transforming under Vision 2030—with over 360,000 new hotel rooms projected and tourism revenues climbing—international connectivity becomes paramount. Lufthansa’s revived Munich–Riyadh service is a timely response to this demand, enhancing global access to Riyadh and reinforcing Germany–Saudi ties.
This relaunch is more than just a new flight route; it’s a strategic bridge between two dynamic regions. Lufthansa is positioning itself not just as a carrier, but as an enabler of cultural, economic, and global engagement in the age of Saudi Arabia’s transformation.
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