New Direct Route Links Málaga with Riyadh

A major new air connection has landed on the southern Spanish coast. Travelers heading between the Arabian Peninsula and Andalusia can now take advantage of a brand-new direct route between Riyadh and Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). Operated by Riyadh Air, the non-stop link connects the Saudi capital directly with the primary gateway for Nerja and the wider Axarquía region.

With three weekly flights scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, this long-haul addition marks an important expansion of Málaga’s international network, bringing direct access to one of the world's fastest-growing aviation hubs.

Seamless Links to Nerja and the Eastern Coast

For visitors traveling from Riyadh or connecting through Saudi Arabia, arriving at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport puts Nerja within easy reach. Located roughly 70 kilometers east of the terminal along the scenic A-7 coastal highway, Nerja can be reached in under an hour by hire car, private transfer, or taxi.

Direct public transport is equally straightforward. Regular express buses run from Málaga’s central bus station directly to Nerja throughout the day, with direct local train links (Cercanías C-1) bridging the short hop between airport arrivals and the main city transport hubs.

The three-day-a-week schedule (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) fits neatly into leisure itineraries, whether planning a weekend escape, a full week on the beaches of Burriana and Maro, or an extended stay exploring Andalusian culture.

Expanding Long-Haul Reach to Andalusia

Málaga Airport has long served as southern Spain’s premier international hub, predominantly facilitating European traffic. The introduction of direct services to Riyadh via Riyadh Air signals a growing interest in connecting the Costa del Sol directly with Middle Eastern long-haul routes.

For local tourism in Nerja, this introduces seamless possibilities for incoming international travelers seeking the charm of whitewashed villages, cliffside viewpoints like the Balcón de Europa, and mild Mediterranean climates outside the high summer season. Conversely, it provides residents and international expats based on the eastern Costa del Sol a convenient direct route towards the Gulf region.

Good to Know

• Route: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
• Airline: Riyadh Air.
• Frequency: Three weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• Onward Travel to Nerja: Approximately 50 to 60 minutes via the A-7 motorway by car or taxi, with connecting bus and rail options via Málaga city center.
• Booking: Flight schedules and reservations are accessible directly through the airline's official booking channels and Málaga Airport information desks.