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AZIMUTH Airlines announces new Sochi–Riyadh service beginning May 14, 2026

AZIMUTH Airlines today announced the launch of scheduled service between Sochi and Riyadh, with the first flight departing May 14, 2026.

The visa waiver agreement between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will enter into force on May 11, 2026.

Flight Schedule effective May 14, 2026:

• A45065 departs Sochi at 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays and arrives in Riyadh at 1:15 a.m. on Fridays (+1)
• A45066 departs Riyadh at 2:15 a.m. on Fridays and arrives in Sochi at 6:00 a.m.

Increased Frequency

Beginning June 15, 2026, AZIMUTH Airlines will increase service to twice weekly with the addition of Monday flights:

• A45065 departs Sochi at 5:50 p.m. and arrives in Riyadh at 10:05 p.m.
• A45066 departs Riyadh at 11:05 p.m. and arrives in Sochi at 3:05 a.m. (+1) on Tuesdays

All times are local.

Aircraft & Passenger Experience

Flights will be operated on Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft, featuring 100 seats, including 15 Comfort Class and 85 Economy Class seats, designed to support both business and leisure travel.

Sochi: a Year-Round Destination

Sochi offers year-round travel opportunities, combining coastal and mountain destinations within a 40–50 minute transfer, supported by developed transport infrastructure.

Visa Waiver Agreement: Key Provisions

Effective May 11, 2026, the agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the mutual waiver of visa requirements enters into force.

Under the agreement:

• Citizens of Saudi Arabia may travel to the Russian Federation visa-free for up to 90 days per calendar year for tourism or business purposes
• Citizens of the Russian Federation are granted reciprocal access to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This development creates new opportunities for tourism operators to develop bilateral travel products and expand international travel options.