Quantcast

Riyadh Air launches inaugural London route with limited ticket availability

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Riyadh Air launches inaugural London route with limited ticket availability
Research
Webp tonydouglas
Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CEO | www.argaam.com

Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air will launch its first international flight to London later this month. The inaugural service between Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) is scheduled for October 26, using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Initially, the daily flights will be available only to select groups and Riyadh Air employees.

"This rigorous flight program ... allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and world-class experience," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. "This carefully sequenced approach is our pathway to perfect, and we are now incredibly close to full operations with further destinations to be announced in the coming weeks as our new aircraft are delivered." Douglas also stated that the October launch fulfills Riyadh Air's commitment to begin flights in 2025.

Riyadh Air aims to expand Saudi Arabia’s presence in global aviation and compete with established Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways. The airline is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to grow its tourism sector and establish a major connecting hub at RUH. At an industry event in 2024, Douglas discussed plans for significant investment in both product offerings and branding initiatives.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The airline has revealed details about its cabin configurations: each Boeing 787-9 will have 28 lie-flat business-class suites—including four larger "Business Elite" suites—39 premium economy seats, and 223 economy seats. This results in a total of 290 seats per aircraft, which is less dense than some competitors but more than others.

Riyadh Air is also introducing a loyalty program called Sfeer. While information remains limited, the program will allow members to share points and benefits within their community or with designated friends and family. Early adopters will be recognized as "The Founders" with priority access for future bookings.

The company has ambitious growth plans, aiming for around 100 global destinations by the end of the decade. Currently operating one Boeing 787-9, Riyadh Air has placed orders for up to 72 additional Dreamliners from Boeing, along with up to 50 Airbus A350-1000s and 60 Airbus A321neos. The wide-body jets will serve long-haul routes while the A321neos are expected to operate shorter regional services.

Future route expansion depends on the delivery schedule of these new aircraft. According to statements made by Douglas in The National newspaper, another new Boeing 787 is expected soon after the first delivery, while Reuters reports that the first Airbus A321neo should arrive in the second half of 2026.

Riyadh Air has also formed partnerships with other airlines including Air France-KLM Group in Europe and Delta Air Lines in the United States.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025