Riyadh Air, the new premium carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced a significant expansion of its international flight network, adding eight new destinations across Europe and Asia. The phased rollout, scheduled between July and September 2026, aims to strengthen the Kingdom's connectivity with key global hubs. All new services will be operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a wide-body aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
New Flight Schedules and Geographic Coverage
The expansion begins in Europe with the launch of flights to Malaga, Spain, on July 14, operating three times weekly. This will be followed by a comprehensive push into the Asian market, targeting major economic and tourism centers. The carrier will provide both daily services and scheduled weekly flights to manage high-demand corridors in South and Southeast Asia.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Starting July 30 (three times weekly).
- Mumbai, India: Starting August 4 (daily).
- Dhaka, Bangladesh: Starting August 7 (daily).
- Islamabad, Pakistan: Starting August 14 (daily).
- Lahore, Pakistan: Starting August 16 (three times weekly).
- Bangkok, Thailand: Starting September 2 (four times weekly).
- Manila, Philippines: Starting September 9 (daily).
Fleet Development and Long-Term Strategy
These new routes complement Riyadh Air's existing operations to London, Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, Manchester, and Jeddah. To support this aggressive growth, the airline has outlined a robust procurement strategy to build a modern fleet. According to current data from FR24, the carrier currently operates eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, but this number is set to rise significantly as the company works toward its target of serving more than 100 destinations by 2030.
To reach these long-term objectives, the airline has committed to the acquisition of 60 Airbus A321neo narrow-body aircraft and an additional 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This fleet mix will allow the carrier to efficiently serve both long-haul international routes and regional connections within the Middle East and surrounding areas.
As Riyadh Air continues to scale its operations, the addition of these eight cities marks a pivotal step in the carrier’s mission to become a leading global airline. With tickets now available through the airline's official portal and authorized travel agents, the expansion is expected to facilitate increased business travel and tourism between Riyadh and these strategic international markets.