Riyadh Air Launches Five New Routes Including Manchester on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners This Summer

Saudi Arabia's fast-growing national carrier confirms flights to Jeddah, Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester launching from June 2026 as its international network takes another major step forward.

Riyadh Air is expanding its international network this summer with five new destinations confirmed for launch between June and July 2026. Jeddah, Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester will all join the airline's route map, operated on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet. For UK travellers, the announcement is particularly significant — Manchester becomes the airline's second British gateway alongside its existing London Heathrow service, giving far more of the country direct access to Riyadh Air for the first time.

The addition of Manchester is the standout development for British passengers. Until now, UK travellers have needed to depart from London Heathrow to fly with Riyadh Air. The launch of the Manchester service on July 23, 2026, changes that, giving passengers across the north of England, Yorkshire, and the Midlands a direct option without the need to travel south. It is a clear signal that Riyadh Air views Britain as a priority market and is committed to serving it beyond the capital.

The expansion gets underway with flights to Jeddah launching on June 14, 2026. As Saudi Arabia's second-largest city and a major centre for commerce, culture, and religious tourism, Jeddah is a key addition to Riyadh Air’s growing network. Dubai follows on June 18, 2026, connecting Riyadh with one of the Gulf's most important aviation hubs on a corridor that consistently ranks among the busiest in the region. Both routes consolidate Riyadh Air's presence in its home market as it continues building outward.

Madrid launches on July 17, 2026, becoming Riyadh Air's first Spanish destination and broadening its European presence beyond the United Kingdom. Spain is one of the most active long-haul travel markets on the continent, and the route opens up a fresh direct connection between the Iberian Peninsula and Saudi Arabia. It further positions Riyadh Air as a carrier with serious and sustained European ambitions.

Every new service will be operated on Riyadh Air's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the same aircraft already flying the airline's London Heathrow route. The 787-9 is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable long-haul jets currently in service, offering lower cabin altitude, higher humidity, reduced noise levels, and larger windows than many older wide-body aircraft. Passengers frequently report lower levels of fatigue on Dreamliner flights, making it well-suited to longer sectors such as Riyadh to Manchester or Madrid.

Riyadh Air is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and forms a central part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programme to grow international tourism and establish Riyadh as a leading global aviation hub. With a target of more than 100 destinations by 2030, this summer's expansion confirms the airline is building at a serious pace.​​​​​​​

Travellers looking to fly any of Riyadh Air's new summer routes, including the new Manchester service, can contact Crystal Travel's travel agents for availability and booking options.