Saudi Arabia’s landscapes were made to be seen from above. From the Nabataean tombs of AlUla carved into rust-coloured sandstone to the glass towers of Riyadh rising from the Najd plateau, helicopter tours offer a perspective on the Kingdom that no ground-level itinerary can match. Whether you are planning a broader Saudi Arabia travel itinerary or seeking a single unforgettable luxury experience, a helicopter flight over the desert, mountains or coastline belongs on your shortlist. The Helicopter Company (THC), Saudi Arabia’s national helicopter tourism operator backed by the Public Investment Fund, has made aerial sightseeing accessible across multiple regions — and a growing number of luxury resorts and private charter firms now offer bespoke flights for travellers who want the Kingdom at its most exclusive.

The Helicopter Company: Saudi Arabia’s National Operator

Any discussion of helicopter tourism in Saudi Arabia begins with The Helicopter Company (THC), established in 2018 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. Under the leadership of CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez, THC has grown from a startup to a fleet of more than 62 helicopters operating from 16 bases across the Kingdom. The fleet includes Airbus H125 and H145 aircraft alongside the newer ACH160, with framework agreements in place for up to 120 Airbus helicopters and a long-term deal with Leonardo for over 200 additional aircraft.

THC provides scenic tourism flights, private charters, corporate transportation and emergency medical services. For travellers, the scenic flights across AlUla and the Khaybar volcanic field represent the company’s flagship tourism products. Private charters are available on a quote basis for groups wanting tailored itineraries — from aerial surveys of NEOM’s coastline to transfers between Red Sea luxury resorts.

Bookings can be made through THC’s official website at helicopter.com.sa, through the Experience AlUla platform for AlUla-specific tours, or through third-party booking sites such as GetYourGuide and Viator.

AlUla: The Flagship Helicopter Experience

AlUla is where Saudi helicopter tourism reaches its peak. The 30-minute scenic flight, operated by THC in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, covers seven landmarks that have made this northwestern Saudi region one of the most talked-about destinations in global travel. At a base price of approximately SAR 500 (~$133 USD) per person on a shared flight, it is also remarkably accessible for a luxury experience of this calibre.

What You See from the Air

The flight path takes in a sequence of sites that would require a full day to cover by ground:

• Hegra (Mada’in Saleh) — Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring more than 100 Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone outcrops dating to the first century CE. From the air, the geometric precision of the tomb facades against the surrounding desert is striking.
• Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) — The natural sandstone formation shaped like an elephant, one of Saudi Arabia’s most photographed natural landmarks. Aerial views reveal the surrounding rock garden that is invisible from the ground viewing platform.
• Maraya — The world’s largest mirrored building (Guinness World Record), a concert hall whose reflective facades create the illusion of dissolving into the desert landscape. From above, the full scale of the 9,740-square-metre mirror surface becomes apparent.
• Jabal Ikmah — Known as the “open-air library,” this valley contains thousands of ancient inscriptions in Dadanitic, Thamudic, Minaic and Nabataean scripts. The helicopter provides context for how the inscribed rock faces sit within the wider canyon system.
• Dadan — The capital of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, with carved lion tombs visible on the cliff face.
• AlUla Old Town — A 12th-century mudbrick settlement clustered at the base of a hilltop fortress, with narrow lanes and over 900 historic structures.
• Hejaz Railway — The remnants of the Ottoman-era railway that once connected Damascus to Medina, with abandoned stations and rail lines threading through the valley.

Practical Details for AlUla Flights

Tip: Book the 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM slot for golden-hour light. The sandstone formations glow deep amber in the late afternoon — significantly more photogenic than the flat midday sun. Pair your flight with a ground visit to AlUla’s key sites to appreciate both perspectives.

Khaybar: Volcanic Archaeology from Above

Approximately 250 kilometres southeast of AlUla, the ancient oasis of Khaybar sits on the edge of one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most remarkable volcanic fields. THC operates two helicopter experiences here in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, both offering views that are genuinely impossible to replicate from the ground.

Mustatils Aerial Archaeology Tour

The Mustatils — enormous rectangular stone monuments dating back 7,000 years — are among the oldest large-scale ritual structures ever discovered. Numbering over 1,600 across northwestern Saudi Arabia, many are only identifiable from the air due to their scale (some exceed 600 metres in length). The helicopter tour provides a bird’s-eye view of these structures alongside ancient funerary avenues and complex animal traps etched into the volcanic plateau.

Khaybar Volcano Tour

This flight crosses the Harrat Khaybar volcanic field, a 12,000-square-kilometre lava landscape formed over millions of years. Highlights include AlBayda, a white tuff cone containing rare comendite igneous rock, and the Black and White Volcanoes whose contrasting geological profiles create a landscape that looks more like Iceland than Arabia. Post-flight hiking through the volcanic terrain is available.

Khaybar helicopter tours run hourly between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, excluding Tuesdays. Book through Experience AlUla or contact THC directly.

Riyadh: Aerial Adventures Over the Capital

Riyadh offers a different kind of aerial experience. The capital’s skyline — dominated by the Kingdom Tower, the King Abdullah Financial District and the forthcoming Mukaab entertainment cube — is increasingly dramatic when seen from above. While THC operates private helicopter charters from Riyadh on a quote basis, the most accessible aerial experience is currently offered by Pangaea Adventure Club.

Pangaea Club Aerial Adventure

The Pangaea Riyadh Aerial Adventure uses an open-cockpit gyrocopter to fly over the desert landscape surrounding the capital. At SAR 5,600 (~$1,493 USD) per adult, this is a premium experience that includes transportation, a professional guide, a 20-minute flight, lunch and professionally produced video documentation of your flight. The experience runs approximately four hours total, with gathering at 9:00 AM and the flight at 10:00 AM.

Pangaea operates under Saudi Ministry of Tourism Licence #73101869. Minimum age is 16 years. The open-cockpit option delivers an unobstructed panoramic view and a level of wind-in-the-hair exhilaration that enclosed helicopters cannot match — though an enclosed cockpit is available for those who prefer it.

Edge of the World by Air

The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn), located roughly 100 kilometres northwest of Riyadh on the Tuwaiq Escarpment, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic natural viewpoints. The 300-metre cliffs drop sharply to an endless gravel plain that stretches to the horizon — and from a helicopter, the full scale of the escarpment becomes visible in a way that the ground-level viewpoint cannot convey. While no dedicated scheduled helicopter tour to the Edge of the World currently operates, a THC private charter from Riyadh can be arranged for groups wanting this experience. Expect to budget SAR 8,000–15,000+ for a private charter depending on duration and group size.

Tip: If you are visiting Riyadh for a longer stay, combine a helicopter charter to the Edge of the World with a ground-based hiking excursion along the escarpment for the complete perspective. The drive from Riyadh takes roughly 90 minutes on unpaved roads — the helicopter covers it in under 20 minutes.

Red Sea Coast: Luxury Resort Helicopter and Seaplane Transfers

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is home to the Kingdom’s most exclusive resort developments, and aerial transfers are becoming a defining feature of the luxury guest experience. The Red Sea Global project — spanning 28,000 square kilometres of pristine coastline, desert and volcanic terrain — uses helicopter and seaplane transfers to connect its island resorts.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The Nujuma resort on the Ummahat Islands offers scenic seaplane flights at SAR 870 + VAT one way (~$232+ USD) for the 30-minute transfer from Red Sea International Airport. Resort guests receive a 30% discount on scenic flights. The 63-villa property — named Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Hotel of the Year — features beachfront and overwater villas with private pools, with rates from approximately $2,500 per night.

Scenic Aerial Tours of the Ummahat Islands

Guests of the Ummahat Islands resorts (Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, and Shebara Resort) can book scenic aerial tours at SAR 1,575 + VAT per seat (~$420+ USD) for a 30-minute shared flight over the island chain, including views of Sheybarah and Shura Islands. The turquoise waters, coral reefs and white sand beaches of the Red Sea archipelago are among the most photogenic aerial landscapes in the Middle East.

Future: eVTOL Air Taxis

In November 2025, THC signed memoranda of understanding with both Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation to launch electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis at Red Sea resorts. Archer’s “Midnight” aircraft carries four passengers and is designed for 10–20 minute trips that would otherwise take 60–90 minutes by road. Pre-commercial evaluation flights are expected in the first half of 2026, with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) creating a regulatory pathway modelled on the FAA’s eVTOL Implementation Pilot Program. If successful, these electric air taxis could replace seaplanes for short resort transfers — positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of aerial urban mobility.

Jeddah: Coastal Aerial Experiences

Jeddah offers aerial sightseeing on a more modest scale. West Sky Aviation, located on King Abdul Aziz Road in the Al Mohammadiah district, operates gyrocopter flights over the Corniche and Jeddah cityscape. Flights last approximately 15 minutes at a cost of around SAR 350 (~$93 USD), with both open and enclosed cockpit options available.

For private helicopter charters in Jeddah, LFS Aero (Luxe Helicopters) offers a range of aircraft including Bell 206, AS350 and Robinson R44 models for VIP transfers, scenic tours over the Red Sea coastline, and special-occasion flights. Pricing is on request.

Note: Jeddah’s aerial tour market is less mature than AlUla’s. Always verify current operating status and safety records before booking with smaller operators. Seek out reviews from recent visitors and confirm insurance coverage.

Private Charters and Bespoke Luxury Flights

For travellers who want complete control over their itinerary, several operators provide private helicopter charters across Saudi Arabia:

• The Helicopter Company (THC) — The largest fleet in the Kingdom (62+ aircraft). Quote-based pricing for bespoke itineraries. Ideal for multi-stop tours combining AlUla, Khaybar, Tabuk and NEOM.
• Air Charter Service — International broker with a Saudi presence (aircharterservice.sa.com), offering helicopter charters complemented by ground transport, yacht charters and catering coordination.
• PASA (PrivatAir Saudi Arabia) — Jeddah-headquartered executive aviation company serving heads of state and VVIPs. Premium tier for the most demanding clients.
• Charter Flights Aviation — Offers Augusta A119, Bell 407, AgustaWestland AW109 and Bell 429 aircraft for charter.
• Flapper — App-based booking platform with access to a network of over 5,000 certified aircraft, including helicopters and private jets across Saudi Arabia.

Private charter rates vary significantly based on aircraft type, duration, routing and season. As a rough guide, expect SAR 5,000–20,000+ per flight hour for a light helicopter (4–5 passengers) and SAR 15,000–40,000+ per flight hour for a medium twin-engine helicopter. Multi-day touring packages combining helicopter flights with luxury accommodation at properties such as Habitas AlUla, Banyan Tree AlUla or the Shaden Resort can be arranged through concierge services.

Best Time for Helicopter Tours

Saudi Arabia’s climate heavily influences the helicopter touring season:

Important: All helicopter tours in Saudi Arabia are weather-dependent. Operators will cancel flights in high winds, sandstorms, low visibility or extreme heat. In the peak season this is rare; in shoulder months, allow flexibility in your schedule for potential rescheduling.

What to Know Before You Book

Visa Requirements

Helicopter tours do not require any special permit beyond a standard Saudi tourist visa. The Saudi e-visa is available to nationals of 66 eligible countries, costs approximately SAR 535 ($142 USD) including insurance, and is processed within 24 hours. It is valid for one year with stays of up to 90 days per visit. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

What to Wear

• Modest clothing is required throughout Saudi Arabia — long trousers and shirts with sleeves for men; loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders, arms and legs for women
• Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety during boarding and disembarking
• Bring a warm layer for winter flights, particularly in open-cockpit gyrocopters where wind chill is significant
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential year-round
• Avoid loose scarves, hats or accessories that could be caught in rotor wash

Safety and Health

• A safety briefing is provided before all flights
• Passengers are weighed before boarding for weight-and-balance calculations
• A liability waiver or declaration is required
• Disclose any health conditions at booking — operators may restrict passengers with certain cardiovascular or respiratory conditions
• Pregnant women may fly up to 32 weeks at their own risk (AlUla tours)
• THC operates Airbus-certified aircraft and has logged over 40,000 flight hours with 900+ employees

Photography Tips

• Sit on the side facing the sun’s direction for front-lit subjects (ask your pilot at boarding)
• Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000s or higher) to counteract vibration
• A polarising filter reduces glare from desert sand and water surfaces
• Shoot through open windows where possible — Perspex windows create reflections and distortion
• Wide-angle lenses (16–35mm equivalent) capture the landscape scale; telephoto lenses are less useful due to vibration

Price Comparison: Saudi Arabia Helicopter Tours

How to Book

AlUla and Khaybar

Book through Experience AlUla (experiencealula.com) or call +966 920 025 003 (Sunday–Thursday, 08:00–17:00 KSA time). Also available on GetYourGuide, Viator, Webook.com and Traveloka. Provide full names, nationality and passport/ID numbers for all passengers at the time of booking.

Riyadh

Book the Pangaea Aerial Adventure through pangaeaclub.net. For THC private charters, visit helicopter.com.sa or contact their Riyadh operations base directly.

Red Sea Resorts

Aerial experiences are booked through resort concierges at Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, or Shebara Resort. Available to resort guests only.

Private Charters

Contact THC (helicopter.com.sa), Air Charter Service (aircharterservice.sa.com), or use the Flapper app for instant quotes across multiple operators.

Combining Helicopter Tours with Your Saudi Itinerary

Helicopter tours work best as highlight experiences within a broader Saudi Arabia trip rather than as standalone activities. Here are three suggested itineraries that incorporate aerial experiences:

The AlUla Immersion (3–4 Days)

Fly into AlUla’s Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport (ULH). Spend two days exploring Hegra, Elephant Rock, Dadan and AlUla Old Town at ground level. On day three, take the 30-minute helicopter flight for the aerial perspective — ideally the late-afternoon slot for golden-hour photography. Consider adding a Khaybar volcano helicopter tour on day four before departing.

The Riyadh Long Weekend (3 Days)

Arrive in Riyadh, explore the capital’s museums, Diriyah heritage district and dining scene. On day two, take the Pangaea aerial adventure in the morning and drive to the Edge of the World for a sunset hike. Day three: the National Museum and departure.

The Red Sea Luxury Circuit (5–7 Days)

Fly into Red Sea International Airport. Transfer by seaplane to Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve for three nights of overwater villa luxury, including a scenic aerial tour of the Ummahat Islands. Transfer to Six Senses Southern Dunes for desert contrast. If timing allows, charter a helicopter north along the coast toward NEOM and Sindalah for a preview of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious development.

The Future of Aerial Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s helicopter tourism sector is expanding rapidly as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy. THC is targeting a fleet of 100+ aircraft by 2026, expanding its emergency medical bases from 13 to 23 and its HEMS aircraft from 15 to 30. The company has signalled its intent to pursue an IPO on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), with CFO Mashhour Al Saadi confirming the company is working toward IPO readiness within five years.

The eVTOL partnerships with Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation could transform short-haul aerial transfers at Red Sea resorts and eventually in urban centres like Riyadh and Jeddah. Saudi Arabia’s GACA is actively creating the regulatory framework to make this possible, positioning the Kingdom as one of the first countries in the world to deploy commercial electric air taxis at scale.

For travellers, the practical implication is clear: the range, accessibility and affordability of aerial experiences in Saudi Arabia will only increase in the coming years. What is already one of the most compelling helicopter tourism destinations in the Middle East is set to become one of the best in the world.

Explore More Saudi Arabia Travel Guides

• Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
• AlUla Travel Guide 2026 — Everything you need to know about visiting AlUla, from Hegra to Elephant Rock
• Riyadh Travel Guide 2026 — Explore Saudi Arabia’s capital city
• Jeddah Travel Guide 2026 — The gateway to the Red Sea and the Hejaz
• Tabuk Travel Guide 2026 — NEOM, Sindalah and Saudi Arabia’s northwest frontier
• Saudi Arabia Hotels Guide — Where to stay across the Kingdom, from budget to ultra-luxury
• Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained