Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new flag carrier, is now flying — its first commercial flight, Riyadh to London Heathrow, took off on 10 June 2026.
Through the summer it is switching on the rest of its launch network — Dubai and Jeddah are live, Cairo follows on 25 June, and Madrid and Manchester arrive in July — giving Gulf and Egyptian travelers a brand-new premium carrier with one-stop access to the UK and Europe.
For the full six-route schedule, frequencies and how to book, see Wego’s Riyadh Air bookings and routes explainer.
Saudi Arabia’s new flag carrier takes off
Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, owned by the Public Investment Fund.
It is a flagship of Saudi Vision 2030’s plan to turn the capital into a global aviation hub. Rather than replacing Saudia, it gives the Kingdom a second long-haul hub — Riyadh — alongside Saudia’s base in Jeddah.
The airline’s first commercial flight, Riyadh to London Heathrow, took off on 10 June 2026.
Riyadh Air brought that debut forward by about three weeks once its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners were delivered. London is the anchor of the launch, and every summer route flies on the same widebody Dreamliner.
What the rollout means for GCC travelers
For the Gulf, the headline is a new direct link between Riyadh and Dubai.
That gives travelers a fresh option between the two cities — and a new way to reach Europe with a single stop.
From Dubai, you can route through Riyadh onto the airline’s London service and, from July, its new Madrid and Manchester flights.
Planning a stopover? Pair it with hotels in Dubai.
Saudi domestic and the Umrah connection
Inside the Kingdom, Riyadh Air’s Riyadh–Jeddah link adds capacity through the summer.
That is useful if you are combining a Riyadh trip with onward Umrah travel from Jeddah. A domestic hop can also connect onto the airline’s international routes through Riyadh.
What the rollout means for Egyptian travelers
Cairo is Riyadh Air’s only African destination in the launch network.
Daily Riyadh–Cairo service starts on 25 June 2026 — a new direct line between the two capitals on a new flag carrier.
It is a significant link for Egypt’s large community living and working in Saudi Arabia.
Like the Gulf routes, Cairo also opens one-stop routings through Riyadh to London, Madrid and Manchester for travelers heading to Europe. Compare fares and browse hotels in Cairo before you fly.
Where Riyadh Air goes next
Riyadh Air is aiming for more than 100 destinations by 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Its slot filings point to a much wider network across Europe, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Several Indian cities have been reported as planned launches, though none are on sale yet — see Wego’s guide to Riyadh Air’s India plans.
For cabin details, the Sfeer loyalty program and how to book, read Wego’s Riyadh Air cabins, booking and Sfeer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riyadh Air flying yet?
Yes. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new flag carrier, began commercial service on 10 June 2026 with its Riyadh–London Heathrow route, and is rolling out the rest of its launch network through summer 2026.
What does the launch mean for GCC travelers?
It adds a new direct Riyadh–Dubai link and a fresh one-stop way to reach London and, from July, Madrid and Manchester through Riyadh — all on a brand-new premium carrier flying the Boeing 787-9.
When does Riyadh Air start flying to Cairo?
Riyadh Air’s daily Riyadh–Cairo service launches on 25 June 2026, its only African destination in the launch network.
Can I track Riyadh Air on Wego?
Yes. Wego’s Riyadh Air (RX) flight status page is live, and you can compare fares to Riyadh, Dubai, Cairo and its other destinations on Wego.
Sources
- Riyadh Air — Official Website and Booking
- AeroRoutes — Riyadh Air Moves Forward Revenue Service Launch to June 2026 (full schedule)
- Arabian Business — Riyadh Air Opens Ticket Sales for Five New Routes
- Public Investment Fund — Riyadh Air Inaugural London Flights and Sfeer Launch
- AGBI — Riyadh Air Brings Forward Debut London Flight
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Airline policies, flight schedules, and route frequencies are subject to change at short notice. The information in this article was accurate at the time of writing, but we recommend checking the official Riyadh Air website for the latest updates before you travel. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
