Riyadh Air to launch with London route on 26 October

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, will take off on 26 October 2025 with the launch of daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow. 

 

Services to Dubai are scheduled to follow in November.

 

Backed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air will commence operations with a leased Boeing 787, launching with an invitation-only soft launch that will carry select passengers, including Riyadh Air and PIF employees and their families.

 

Public ticket sales are expected to open by late December once the airline receives delivery of two Boeing 787s. 

 

The Riyadh-London route will operate daily, departing King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 03:15 and arriving at London Heathrow (LHR) at 07:30 local time. Return flights will leave LHR at 09:30 and land in RUH at 19:15. 

 

RELATED:

Riyadh Air unveils first-ever business class lounge

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air reveals interior cabin designs

Riyadh Air to offer Blacklane airport chauffeur service

 

Following the London debut, flights to Dubai will launch in November, with additional winter 2025 and summer 2026 destinations to be revealed in the coming weeks.

 

The carrier has also just unveiled details of its first-ever business class lounge at King Khalid International Airport, as well as its loyalty programme, Sfeer. 

 

The programme allows members to share points and privileges with friends and family, a first-of-its-kind feature that reflects Saudi hospitality and community values.