Riyadh Air and Saudia have switched on the first phase of their strategic cooperation, giving the new Saudi carrier access to six domestic destinations without operating a single additional flight. The codeshare arrangement, which builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2023, allows Riyadh Air to place its RX code on selected Saudia-operated services connecting Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport with Abha, Al Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina and Tabuk.
For Riyadh Air, the deal instantly extends its network across the Kingdom, leveraging Saudia's established domestic footprint. For travellers, it means more routing options, smoother transfers and the ability to combine flights from both carriers on a single ticket. The airlines said connecting schedules will be aligned with Riyadh Air's international departures, making Riyadh a more convenient gateway for domestic and international itineraries.
One ticket, through-checked bags
The partnership is designed to make connections as seamless as possible. Since both carriers operate within the same terminal complex at King Khalid International Airport, eligible passengers can complete journeys on one ticket with baggage checked through to their final destination. Riyadh Air Business Class travellers connecting to Saudia flights will also gain access to Saudia lounges at qualifying points, along with fast-track security and priority boarding where available.
These benefits are particularly significant as Riyadh Air expands its international route map. Instead of treating its own network as a standalone operation, the codeshare lets the airline tap into Saudia's domestic reach to feed passengers from across the Kingdom onto its long-haul services. For example, a passenger starting in Dammam can fly Saudia to Riyadh and connect to a Riyadh Air flight to Madrid on a single ticket. In the reverse direction, a traveller from Kuala Lumpur can connect through Riyadh and continue with Saudia to Medina.
Loyalty reciprocity on the horizon
The next phase of the partnership will extend beyond flight connections. Riyadh Air and Saudia plan to introduce reciprocal earning and redemption between their loyalty programmes — Riyadh Air's Sfeer and Saudia's Alfursan — in the coming months. The airlines are also working on a lounge access agreement covering selected airports in Saudi Arabia and international markets. Eventually, the codeshare will work in both directions, with Saudia placing its SV code on Riyadh Air-operated services as the new carrier's network grows.
These developments could create a much broader virtual network for both airlines. Saudia will feed passengers from its domestic and international services into Riyadh Air flights, while Riyadh Air will offer new international connections for Saudia customers. The partnership is a key element of Saudi Arabia's National Aviation Strategy, which aims to transform Riyadh into a major global aviation hub.
Technology integration underpins the deal
Making the codeshare work required integrating two very different technology environments. Riyadh Air connected its Offer-Order platform with Saudia's Passenger Service System, a process developed and tested over three years with technology partners FLYR, INK and Amadeus. This integration is expected to provide the foundation for Riyadh Air's wider codeshare and interline ambitions, which already include agreements with nearly 15 carriers worldwide.
Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer of Riyadh Air, described the integration as a fundamental part of the airline's digital-native model and a significant industry milestone. “By combining our strengths, we are fundamentally redefining the travel experience within Saudi Arabia and those connecting to it,” Coste said.
Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia, said the codeshare would provide passengers with greater choice and connectivity across the Kingdom while creating new opportunities to link domestic and international journeys.
The cooperation comes as Riyadh Air prepares to launch its first flights, with Bangkok services starting in September as part of its growing Asia network. The airline's Sfeer loyalty programme is also gaining traction, approaching one million members ahead of its debut. The codeshare with Saudia is a strategic move that allows Riyadh Air to compete effectively from day one, using Saudia's domestic strength to build a robust feeder network.
For travel professionals, the partnership signals a more integrated Saudi aviation market, with Riyadh Air and Saudia working together to streamline connections and enhance the passenger experience. As the codeshare expands and loyalty benefits roll out, the combined network will offer agents and corporate travel managers more flexibility when booking itineraries across the Kingdom and beyond.
