Key Points
- Riyadh Air adds five destinations: Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester.
- The airline receives its first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
- New routes will launch between June 14 and July 23, 2026.
- The carrier aims to connect Riyadh with over 100 destinations by 2030.
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has unveiled five new international destinations alongside the arrival of its first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Marking a key milestone in its commercial rollout strategy, the airline, a Public Investment Fund company, announced the addition of Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester to its growing network.
Describing the expansion as part of its broader plan to enhance connectivity between Riyadh and major global economic, tourism and cultural centres, the airline stated that more routes are expected to be introduced in the coming weeks after operational capacity increases.
Riyadh Air said the latest developments reflect steady progress toward its long-term ambition of linking the Saudi capital with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
The arrival of the third new aircraft further strengthens fleet readiness and supports the airline’s phased operational launch.
Flight operations to Jeddah are scheduled to begin on June 14, followed by Dubai on June 18 and Cairo on June 25.
Services to Madrid are set to start on July 17, with Manchester following on July 23, according to the airline’s schedule.
In a notable adjustment to its rollout timeline, Riyadh Air also brought forward its inaugural London service from July 1 to June 10, 2026, citing earlier-than-expected aircraft deliveries.
The carrier, owned by the Public Investment Fund, said its fleet will feature modern cabin designs, advanced onboard technology and upgraded hospitality services aimed at meeting international airline standards.
SPA reported that the airline’s expansion signals accelerating progress in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector as it positions Riyadh as an emerging global air hub.
