Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, has officially announced the suspension of its nonstop flights between Jeddah (JED) and Los Angeles (LAX) during the upcoming 2026 winter season, reflecting strategic adjustments based on seasonal passenger demand.
According to Saudia’s published schedule, the three-weekly service will pause from 22 January to 12 May 2026, a move driven by historically low passenger volumes on ultra-long-haul routes during this time of year. The suspension aligns with the airline’s broader pattern of scaling back underperforming routes in the off-peak season.
Seasonal Demand Drop Leads to Suspension
Saudia’s decision stems from clear seasonal demand trends. February and March traditionally mark a dip in international travel as post-holiday lulls affect global traffic patterns. For long-haul services like Jeddah–Los Angeles, this means reduced profitability and operational inefficiencies.
Aviation data from previous seasons supports this strategy. In February 2024, Saudia operated only eight flights on the route. May 2024 saw a modest increase with 18 flights, yet still below sustainable thresholds. Industry analysts cite average load factors falling below 65% during these months—well under what’s needed for profitability on 15+ hour routes.
A Look at the Route: Saudia’s Longest Nonstop Service
The Jeddah–Los Angeles route spans 7,240 nautical miles (13,409 km), making it one of the longest flights in Saudia’s network. With a scheduled flight time of approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes, the journey represents a considerable operational cost, especially when not met with strong passenger demand.
Saudia operates this route using its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which can accommodate over 405 passengers, depending on configuration. Despite the aircraft’s capability and reliability, the airline faces challenges balancing fuel costs, crew rotation, and cabin service on this ultra-long-haul when yields are weak.
Each of Saudia’s 37 Boeing 777-300ERs averages around 11 years in age, ensuring they remain viable assets for long-range missions. However, from a cost-efficiency standpoint, deploying such a large aircraft on a seasonally low-demand route is less than ideal.
Saudia’s Broader Seasonal Strategy
The suspension fits within a broader trend. Saudia, like many full-service international carriers, adjusts its winter schedule to reflect economic realities. In early 2023, the airline posted load factors of just 64% in February and 70% in March, falling to 52% by April—well below the breakeven point for long-haul flights.
Industry-wide, winter months between mid-January and early May are known for slow international travel. Travelers often opt for regional or short-haul trips, leaving intercontinental carriers to restructure routes or reduce capacity.
Other global carriers such as Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines follow similar models, temporarily halting or downgrading aircraft on long-haul routes during low-demand periods. In Saudia’s case, such decisions also support the airline’s efforts to improve profitability and fleet utilization.
New Growth Elsewhere in Saudia’s Network
While Jeddah–LAX sees a temporary halt, Saudia is reinvesting its capacity in stronger performing international routes. Notably, the airline is set to resume flights between Dammam (DMM) and London Heathrow (LHR) beginning 5 November 2025, with three weekly flights operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The move reflects Saudia’s strategy to focus on routes with strong bilateral demand, particularly those supported by business, diaspora, and tourism ties.
The airline’s Dreamliner fleet, which includes 19 Boeing 787-9s and eight 787-10s, is also set to grow significantly. Saudia has orders for 18 additional 787-9s and 21 more 787-10s, with deliveries scheduled in the coming years. These aircraft offer better fuel efficiency and passenger comfort—crucial advantages in today’s cost-sensitive travel market.
Implications for Travelers
For passengers planning to fly between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. West Coast in early 2026, the suspension of direct flights between Jeddah and Los Angeles means rerouting will be necessary. Travelers can consider connecting flights via Saudia’s European or Gulf airline partners, or depart from Riyadh (RUH) if alternative direct routes remain available.
Travel agencies and frequent flyers are advised to monitor Saudia’s schedule updates and book in advance to secure favorable itineraries. The airline has not indicated whether the LAX route will resume post-May 2026, but a return in the summer schedule is likely, as demand typically increases.
Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Vision: Looking Forward
The decision comes amid Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation expansion, guided by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Under this plan, Saudia aims to increase its international passenger capacity and transform the Kingdom into a global air travel hub. Seasonal route optimization is part of ensuring the airline’s resources are aligned with this ambitious growth.
Meanwhile, the introduction of Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s second flag carrier, is expected to complement Saudia’s operations, potentially taking on West Coast U.S. routes in the future.
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