Riyadh Air prepares daily Boeing 787-9 service from Saudi capital to London Heathrow

Riyadh Air will become the fourth carrier operating direct flights between Riyadh and Heathrow during winter 2025. Virgin Atlantic began flying this route in March 2025; British Airways returned in 2009 and currently operates up to ten weekly flights in winter; Saudia plans double daily services after reducing frequencies from summer levels. Both Saudia and Riyadh Air receive funding from Saudi wealth funds.

Virgin Atlantic’s recent entry into this market has increased competition among carriers serving this busy route. Partnerships with airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines are expected to support Riyadh Air’s growth until it expands its own network further across Asia using additional aircraft on order.

For winter 2025, there will be up to four airlines flying between Riyadh and Heathrow: British Airways (10 weekly), Saudia (double daily), Virgin Atlantic (daily), and soon Riyadh Air (daily).

Heathrow’s connectivity with the Middle East remains strong overall, with fourteen passenger airlines scheduled for winter operations linking London with twelve cities across the region. These services account for roughly seven percent of all departures at Heathrow during this period.

"With thanks to Sean Moulton on X for the heads-up about this development."