Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, is moving onto the global aviation stage through London, with an ambition that goes beyond conventional air travel.
The carrier, which reflects the Kingdom’s view of aviation as a strategic industry and economic driver, said it would open tickets to the public for direct flights between King Khalid International Airport and Heathrow Airport on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet from July 1, 2026.
The move is part of plans to connect Saudi Arabia to more than 100 destinations by 2030.
It follows the airline’s launch last year of its first daily flights to Heathrow, when tickets were initially available to selected groups of passengers and Riyadh Air employees under an operational program designed to ensure full readiness before the carrier receives its first aircraft from Boeing.
The program also allowed the airline to use its newly allocated operating slots at Heathrow.
Riyadh Air said bookings would open from Tuesday through its website, official app and approved travel service providers.
Travel classes
Chief Executive Tony Douglas said the launch of flights on the new aircraft marked a “milestone” for Riyadh Air and reflected its vision to redefine air travel and connect Riyadh to the world through comfort, innovation and Saudi hospitality.
The airline said its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft would feature four travel classes, Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The two business cabins will include seats that convert into fully flat beds.
Passengers will also have access to advanced entertainment systems through Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova platform, with 4K screens, Bluetooth connectivity and a library of more than 500 films and 600 television series.
Riyadh Air said its hospitality offering would include products from Kayanee, children’s kits in cooperation with Disney, varied menus and bedding from John Horsfall.
The airline also announced the launch of Sfeer, its loyalty program, offering benefits including a “best offer guarantee,” no expiry of points, free in-flight internet and exclusive privileges for founding members.
Aviation specialists said opening ticket sales to passengers marks a new phase for Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.
The government has set a national strategy to turn the Kingdom into a global aviation logistics hub by doubling capacity to 330 million passengers, linking it to 250 international destinations and raising air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons by 2030.
Tourism and business traffic
Tourism media expert Mohammed al-Abdulkarim told Asharq Al-Awsat that Riyadh Air’s announcement of the start date for its first commercial flights, along with the official launch of ticket sales from July, was a pivotal step in the transformation of Saudi aviation.
He said it reflected faster implementation of the national aviation strategy under Vision 2030.
Abdulkarim said choosing July 1 for the entry into service of the carrier’s first new B787-9 aircraft showed Riyadh Air was ready to move from building and preparation into actual operations.
The start of ticket sales through the airline’s official platforms, he said, reflected operational confidence and early readiness to enter the international aviation market.
He said launching the first route between Riyadh and London carried major strategic and economic significance. London is one of the world’s biggest centers for business, tourism and air transit, he said, and the route shows Saudi Arabia’s early focus on a high-yield international network directly linked to major global markets.
Raising capacity
Abdulkarim said Riyadh Air’s ownership of four B787-9 aircraft now in the final stages of operational certification showed a push to build a modern fleet focused on efficiency, passenger experience and advanced technology.
That, he said, is essential for competing in the global aviation market, especially after the rapid changes the sector has seen since the pandemic.
He said the entry of a new national carrier of this scale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s capacity, raise the competitiveness of its air transport sector regionally and internationally, and support tourism, investment, logistics and supply chains.
“The Kingdom is not only targeting higher passenger numbers, but is working to reshape its position as a global aviation hub linking three continents,” he said.
“With new airport projects, expanded air connectivity and the launch of modern carriers, Saudi Arabia is moving toward becoming one of the region’s most important transport and travel hubs in the coming years.”
Competing with major airlines
Aviation expert Al Motaz Al-Mirah said the launch of Riyadh Air’s first tickets showed Saudi Arabia’s strong confidence in the future of aviation.
He said the project is starting with a global vision and modern services aimed at competing with major international airlines, while choosing London as the first destination gives the new carrier a strong presence on one of the world’s most important international travel routes.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Mirah said the move was a practical step toward achieving Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy.
It was not only about adding destinations and flights, he said, but about building an integrated travel experience that strengthens Riyadh’s position as a global air transport hub.
He said the move was expected to support tourism and investment and raise the kingdom’s competitiveness in aviation in the coming years.
