In the competitive world of global aviation, few commercial launches have generated as much international (and local) anticipation as Riyadh Air.
Established as Saudi Arabia’s digitally native national carrier under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the new homegrown airline was built from the ground up to reshape Middle Eastern connectivity and act as a primary engine for Vision 2030. Combining ultra-modern technology, sustainable fleet choices, and an experience complete with bespoke Arabian hospitality, Riyadh Air aims to connect the Kingdom to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
The airline launched its first commercial service to London Heathrow on June 10, 2026, and plans to expand to 22 total destinations by March 2027 as part of its ramp-up to 2030. The airline made history when it officially took to the skies, launching its inaugural commercial flight from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to London Heathrow.
That milestone was quickly followed by an ambitious route rollout across domestic, regional, and international hubs, adding flights to Jeddah, Dubai, and Cairo alongside major European and Asian destinations such as Madrid, Manchester, Málaga, and Kuala Lumpur. As deliveries of its custom-fitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners accelerate, Riyadh Air continues to cement its strategic footprint across Europe’s premier fashion and economic centres.
Beginning from December 16, Riyadh Air's next route will officially connect Riyadh directly with Milan's Malpensa Airport, introducing four weekly non-stop flights between the Saudi capital and Italy’s fashion hub. The route will operate four days a week, with flights scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. All services will be operated on the carrier's flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring premium multi-class cabin configurations designed by world-leading interior specialists.
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Riyadh-Milan Flight Times & Details
The flight schedule has been carefully tailored to suit both luxury leisure seekers and corporate travellers moving between the two vibrant cultural and business hubs. Flight RX 519 is scheduled to depart King Khalid International Airport Terminal 2 at 02:45am local time, arriving non-stop into Milan Malpensa Airport Terminal 1 at 07:05am local time. The return service, Flight RX 520, departs Milan Malpensa at 09:55am local time and lands back in Riyadh at 05:15pm local time.
The timing of the overnight flight from Riyadh allows travellers to touch down in Milan early in the morning, perfectly timed for a full day of corporate engagements or early check-ins at Lombardy’s luxury hotels. The return flight departs Milan mid-morning, bringing passengers back to Riyadh by late afternoon with maximum convenience.
Beyond facilitating high-end tourism between Northern Italy and the Kingdom, the new route creates seamless transport options for fashion houses, corporate entities, and cultural exchanges. As Riyadh consolidates its standing as a regional centre for art, gastronomy, and retail, direct links to fashion capitals like Milan reinforce Saudi Arabia’s positioning on the global stage. Tickets for the new Milan service are now open for booking across the airline’s digital platforms.
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Riyadh Air's first flight to Milan Malpensa Airport will take off on Wednesday, December 16, 2026
These flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
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