MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific has officially entered the Riyadh market, launching direct flights between Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) starting March 1, 2026 — a move that promises cheaper fares and more flight options for the estimated two million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia.
The Philippines’ largest low-cost carrier operates four weekly roundtrip flights on the route, deploying its Airbus A330-900neo aircraft with 459 seats. Manila-to-Riyadh flights (flight 5J740) depart at 10:50 PM and arrive at 4:25 AM the following day, with a flight time of 10 hours and 35 minutes. The return leg (5J741) leaves Riyadh at 5:55 AM and touches down in Manila at 8:45 PM, taking approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes.
Manila-to-Riyadh services are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while Riyadh-to-Manila flights operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
A game-changer for OFWs
Speaking at the route announcement in December 2025, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said the new service directly addresses the needs of Filipino migrant workers.
“Our OFWs in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East make tremendous sacrifices to support their families and contribute to the Philippine economy. Launching our Manila–Riyadh service is one way we honor their hard work, making it easier and more affordable for them to fly home,” Lao said.
The airline claims passengers can save up to 57% on roundtrip fares compared to other travel options on the route. During the launch promo period, one-way base fares were offered for as low as PHP 1 (SAR 1) for bookings made until December 13, 2025, covering travel from March 1 to October 31, 2026. Regular roundtrip fares are priced around PHP 32,230, according to the airline’s published rates.
For context, competing carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Saudia have historically priced Manila-Riyadh roundtrip tickets significantly higher on average, though exact fares vary by season and booking window.
Riyadh: CEB’s fourth long-haul destination
Riyadh becomes Cebu Pacific’s fourth long-haul destination, joining Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. The route marks Cebu Pacific’s second Middle Eastern destination after Dubai, where it resumed flights in July 2025 following a pandemic-era suspension.
The direct flights eliminate the need for OFWs to connect through hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi — a common pain point that added hours of layover time and increased travel costs. A direct Manila-Riyadh flight cuts total travel time to under 11 hours.
Beyond serving the OFW community, the airline said the route opens doors for Filipino tourists to explore Saudi Arabia’s expanding cultural attractions and urban destinations as the Kingdom continues to develop its tourism sector under Vision 2030.
What OFWs need to know about entry requirements
Filipino workers heading to Saudi Arabia should ensure they have the following documents before traveling:
Valid passport with at least six months validity. Employment visa or Iqama (residence permit) — OFWs must secure a work visa sponsored by their Saudi employer before departure. OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) registration is mandatory for all documented OFWs. Compulsory medical insurance covering the duration of stay in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has eased several entry requirements in recent years, including the introduction of tourist visas and expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for valid US, UK, or Schengen visa holders. However, OFWs on employment contracts must still follow the standard work visa process through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Cebu Pacific recommends passengers check the latest travel requirements at least 72 hours before departure, as visa policies can change with short notice.
The bigger picture
The route launch reflects growing demand for travel between the Philippines and the Middle East, where Filipino workers represent a significant portion of the expatriate workforce. Saudi Arabia alone hosts over two million Filipinos, making it one of the largest OFW destinations worldwide.
For OFWs sending remittances back home — estimated at over $40 billion annually from the global Filipino diaspora — cheaper airfare means more frequent family visits and reduced financial strain. Read our guide on the best remittance apps for OFWs to maximize your money transfers.
The Philippine government has also pushed for expanded air connectivity between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia as part of broader labor diplomacy efforts. Interested OFWs can learn more about the CHED and OWWA program converting OFW work experience to college degrees.
As of May 2026, Cebu Pacific continues to operate the Manila-Riyadh route at four flights per week. Flight schedules and fares are subject to change. For the latest updates, visit cebupacificair.com.
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Editorial Note: This article was researched and drafted with AI assistance, then reviewed, verified, and approved by Edmon Agron. All financial figures and travel information have been cross-checked against official sources.
