Emirates will operate the first A380 service into Riyadh on September 23 to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s 81st National Day.

Operating into King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the one-off service will operate as a commercial flight, giving passengers the opportunity to be on the inaugural A380 service to the city.

Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Gulf, Middle East and Iran, explains: “As the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is an integral part of Emirates’ operations to the Kingdom’.

“The A380 is our flagship aircraft and it is fitting that we mark the occasion of the country’s National Day by operating this one-of-a-kind aircraft into Riyadh,” he said.

“King Khalid International Airport is well equipped to handle the A380 and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure next week’s one-off operation is successful.”

The A380 has been operational between Jeddah and Dubai since February 2010, with strong demand from business and leisure travellers in both directions.

The aircraft contains 14 private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 seats with ice Digital Widescreen in Economy Class.

EK817 will depart Dubai at 1655 and arrive in Riyadh at 1745 and the return flight, EK818, will depart Riyadh 2045, arriving in Dubai at 2325.

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