It’s official: Riyadh Air has taken to the skies, marking its milestone commercial debut with its inaugural flight to London this week.
Over the last number of year's Riyadh Air has steadily gained momentum, and this is set to continue over the next few weeks as the first flights available to the public launch. So far, London, Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester have all been confirmed for either June and July take offs.
Aside from these destinations, the initial network strategy of the national carrier has come into focus through recent industry filings, namely Airport Coordination Limited (ACL). Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) is considered to be one the world’s premier airport slot coordinator, and it manages capacity for 79 airports globally. And by optimising slot allocation, ACL has shared and detailed a quarterly and annual report so as to enhance operational efficiency and performance for the collective benefit of airlines, airport operators, and the travelling public. It is this report that outlines the airports in which Riyadh Air have confirmed flight slots.
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Riyadh Air's 15 Initial & Confirmed Flight Routes
According to an interview with CEO Tony Douglas in November 2025, it was said that the airline would launch publicly available flights in Q1 of 2026, however due to further Boeing delivery delays and unanticipated regional tensions and temporary travel restrictions, this launch was delayed.
In it's latest report released, ACL's (publicly available) findings have unveiled that Riyadh Air, Saudi's new national carrier has identified 15 high-priority global destinations across regional, European and international hubs that will form the backbone of its early flight operations. These routes are strategically designed to transform Riyadh into a premier global transit hub, mirroring the "super-connector" models of neighbouring Gulf giants while prioritising point-to-point traffic to the Saudi capital.
Following a number of announcements by the airline itself, and supporting confirmation from companies such as Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) is now known that the planned network for Riyadh Air will span four continents, focusing on major financial centres, popular leisure destinations, and high-volume regional corridors.
To support the widespread rollout, Riyadh Air is leveraging a massive fleet order including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul routes and Airbus A321neos for regional efficiency. While specific start dates for public and commercial passenger bookings are expected to be announced soon, the identification of these 15 cities confirms the airline's commitment to Vision 2030’s goal of connecting the Kingdom to over 250 destinations globally.
The proposed network is divided into four key geographical regions:
Asia & Southeast Asia
The new national carrier is set to place a heavy emphasis on the Asian market, targeting cities with significant existing travel volumes to the Kingdom.
- Bangkok: Reconnecting the Kingdom with Thailand’s capital following the restoration of diplomatic ties, and the opening of borders for Saudi tourists.
- Islamabad & Lahore: These links will tap into the massive demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, particularly for business.
- Jakarta: Restoring a critical link to Indonesia that has lacked consistent direct service since 2025, and currently there is no direct link.
- Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur is a key hub for both business with return travel being heavily focussed on religious tourism in Saudi Arabia.
- Manila: This route will serve the high-volume corridor between the Philippines and Riyadh.
- Mumbai: Set to strengthen ties with India’s financial heart, this Mumbai to Riyadh route will further bolster business connections.
Thus far, no launch dates or flight details have been confirmed for the Asia and Southeast Asia routes
Europe
Riyadh Air’s European strategy focuses on a mix of established hubs and currently underserved capitals and European markets.
- London (Heathrow) - This route began on June 10: This route was subject to many technical and staff test flights ahead of launch, this route is officially live and will be a flagship daily service.
- Madrid - This route will begin on July 17: A significant addition, this route marks a return to direct connectivity with Spain and will run four times weekly.
- Manchester - This route will begin on July 23: Providing a direct link to the North of England, this is a popular connecting hub in the UK, and is currently underserved by direct flights from Riyadh. This route will operate three times weekly.
- Paris: This route will connect the two capitals for both luxury travel and diplomacy.
Launch dates for flights to Paris have not yet been confirmed.
Middle East & North Africa
Of course, as expected, regional and local connectivity remains a pivotal cornerstone of Riyadh Air's launch and continued strategy. These flight routes will focus on the busiest air corridors in the world.
- Dubai - This route begins on June 18: A nearby neighbour, Dubai International (DXB), the world's most-trafficked international route will be a primary focus. This will be a daily service.
- Jeddah - This route begins on June 14: Essential domestic connectivity between the Kingdom's two largest cities. By July 2, this route will see a robust schedule of four daily flights connecting the two major Saudi cities.
- Cairo - This route begins on June 25: Teased as a destination via social media in February 2026, this route will serve one of the largest point-to-point markets in the Middle East. This route will operate daily.
- Amman: Strengthening regional ties with the Jordanian capital.
Launch dates for flights to Amman have not yet been confirmed.
