Riyadh Air has officially launched public ticket sales for five new destinations — Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid, and Manchester — as Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier transitions from pre-launch to active revenue operations. The airline also confirmed it has moved forward its inaugural London flight to 10 June 2026, citing quicker-than-expected Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner deliveries and an accelerating network build-out.
This development marks a tangible step for Riyadh Air as it begins to compete with established Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. The airline is now accepting bookings across six routes once London is included, with additional city pairs expected to be announced in the coming weeks as it pushes toward a target of serving more than 100 destinations by 2030.
Dreamliner Fleet and Cabin Configuration
All newly announced routes will be operated by Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the first of a planned fleet of 72 aircraft. The cabins are configured in a four-class layout: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Business Elite and Business seats feature fully flat beds in a 1-2-1 arrangement, while Premium Economy offers a 2-3-2 layout with privacy wings and additional storage. Economy seats include adjustable headrests, USB-C charging, and ergonomic design.
The airline is positioning its inflight product around comfort, technology, and Saudi hospitality. Amenities include Kayanee wellness products made in Saudi Arabia, bedding from John Horsfall, and tailored amenity kits. For younger travellers, bespoke Disney kits add a family-friendly touch. Business Elite and Business guests also receive Kayanee loungewear. The entertainment system offers Bluetooth audio and a library with content from Disney+, HBO Max, and Warner Bros.
Route Launch Schedule
The five new routes will begin operations on the following dates:
- Jeddah – 14 June 2026
- Dubai – 18 June 2026
- Cairo – 25 June 2026
- Madrid – 17 July 2026
- Manchester – 23 July 2026
These services are designed not only to bring travellers into Riyadh but also to create a stronger transit network linking Europe and the Americas with the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a player in both point-to-point and connecting travel, leveraging its hub at King Khalid International Airport.
Loyalty Program and Booking
Alongside the route announcements, Riyadh Air is promoting its Sfeer loyalty program, which includes a Best Offer Guarantee, no points expiry, the ability to share points with friends and family, and complimentary onboard Wi‑Fi for members. Early members can join as Founders, gaining priority access to new route bookings and additional benefits as the airline scales.
For travel professionals, the rapid expansion of Riyadh Air’s network and its premium cabin product represent a new option for corporate and leisure clients. The airline’s focus on connecting Saudi Arabia with major business and leisure markets worldwide aligns with the Kingdom’s broader tourism and aviation goals under Vision 2030.
As Dreamliner deliveries accelerate and more route announcements are expected, Riyadh Air is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched airline launches in the region. For more on the carrier’s fleet and network plans, see Riyadh Air Takes Delivery of First 787-9s, Targets 22 Cities by 2027. Meanwhile, the broader aviation landscape in the Pacific is also evolving, with Fiji Airways Opens Direct Nadi–Gold Coast Route, Boosts Pacific Connectivity.
