Riyadh Air Launches International Flights to the UK, Spain, Egypt, and the UAE

Saudi Arabia's newest airline takes to the skies on its inaugural international network, connecting Riyadh to London, Manchester, Madrid, Cairo, and Dubai aboard Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Saudi Arabia's newest airline, Riyadh Air, has officially launched its international route network, marking one of the most significant new carrier debuts in the Middle East in recent years. Backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and closely tied to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic programme, the airline operates out of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with flights now serving destinations across the United Kingdom, Spain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. All routes are operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, one of the most advanced and passenger-friendly long-haul jets currently flying commercially.

UK travellers are among the first to benefit from Riyadh Air's international launch. Daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow are now operating, establishing one of the carrier's most prominent routes from the outset. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner brings meaningful advantages on this corridor, including improved cabin pressurisation, better air quality, and a noticeably quieter onboard environment — all of which contribute to a more comfortable experience on a long-haul flight of this distance.

Spain features in Riyadh Air's inaugural schedule, with flights between Riyadh and Madrid Barajas Airport set to begin in mid-July 2026. Operating several times a week, the route provides a consistent connection between the Saudi capital and one of Europe's most visited and well-connected cities. The addition of Madrid strengthens Riyadh's ambition to establish itself as a competitive hub for travel between the Middle East and Europe.​​​​​​​

Riyadh Air is introducing daily flights between Riyadh and Cairo, with services expected to begin in late June 2026. The Riyadh-Cairo corridor ranks among the busiest in the Arab world, driven by deep cultural, commercial, and tourism ties between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Daily Dreamliner operations on this route signal that the airline is taking regional demand seriously right from the start.

Daily flights between Riyadh and Dubai International Airport are also part of the launch network, linking two of the Gulf's most important aviation centres. Dubai's status as a global transit hub means the route carries value beyond the two cities themselves, offering passengers practical access to a wide range of onward connections across Asia, Africa, and beyond.​​​​​​​

The emergence of Riyadh Air adds a compelling new option for passengers travelling between the United Kingdom and the wider Middle East region. With modern aircraft, direct access from both London and Manchester, and a growing network of destinations, the airline is well placed to appeal to a broad range of travellers — whether flying for business, visiting family, or exploring Saudi Arabia as a destination in its own right.

For those looking to plan their travel, Crystal Travel's experienced agents are on hand to help.​​​​​​​