For the first time in the airline’s history, Riyadh Air has launched its commercial services. The flights will connect Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, with two major English cities, London and Manchester.
About Riyadh Air
Like Saudia, Riyadh Air is a flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, but while Saudia is based in Jeddah, the new carrier is based in Riyadh, hence its name. Established in early 2023, it is Saudi Arabia’s newest airline and unveiled its first livery on June 4, 2023, beginning operations in October 2025.
Currently, the carrier’s fleet is composed of a small but modern and long-haul aircraft, having four B787-9 Dreamliners in operation, and it is waiting for six more. One A321neo has been ordered and is expected to arrive shortly to support the carrier’s future routes.
Regarding its ownership, the Saudi Press Agency (SAP) says that the airline is owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has Yasir Al-Rumayyan as its chairman. Furthermore, Riyadh Air’s appointed CEO is Tony Douglas, who served as CEO of Etihad Airways, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 2018 to 2022.
The New Services
On June 10, 2026, the airline launched its first commercial service linking the city of Riyadh and London, England’s capital. The flight was operated with a B787-9 Dreamliner and left Saudi Arabia at 2:35 a.m. on Wednesday, landing at London Heathrow (LHR) at 7:30 a.m. This service will function on a daily basis.
The service linking Manchester and Riyadh is expected to begin on July 23, 2026, and will operate three times per week with B787-9 Dreamliners. Other destinations are Jeddah, Cairo, Dubai, and Madrid.
Within the B787-9 Dreamliner, passengers are able to choose between Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy class. In the business classes, travellers will have the luxury of flat beds and air conditioning. All classes will have access to TVs with the latest cinema releases and shows.
What other routes do you think the carrier should launch? Why is that? Share your opinion in the comments below.
