Photo courtesy: Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air opens tickets to five new routes
Riyadh Air has opened public ticket sales for five new destinations—Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester—marking a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier as its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet begins to enter service. The airline has also brought forward its first London flight to 10 June 2026, reflecting faster-than-expected aircraft deliveries and a rapidly expanding network.
This announcement moves Riyadh Air from launch mode into active sales, giving travellers access to six routes in total once London is included. More destinations are expected to follow in the coming weeks as the airline continues building toward its goal of serving more than 100 destinations by 2030.
You can book and follow the latest route updates on the official Riyadh Air website: Riyadh Air.
Dreamliner network expands fast
All of the newly announced routes will be operated by Riyadh Air’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the first of a planned fleet of 72. The aircraft are designed to deliver a premium long-haul experience, with a four-class layout spanning Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
The airline is positioning the Dreamliner cabins around comfort, technology and Saudi hospitality. Business Elite and Business feature fully flat beds in a 1-2-1 layout, while Premium Economy offers a 2-3-2 arrangement with privacy wings and additional storage. Economy passengers will also benefit from adjustable headrests, USB-C charging and ergonomically designed seating.
Routes and start dates
The five newly opened routes will begin flying on the following dates:
- Jeddah – 14 June 2026.
- Dubai – 18 June 2026.
- Cairo – 25 June 2026.
- Madrid – 17 July 2026.
- Manchester – 23 July 2026.
These services are intended not only to bring travellers into Riyadh, but also to create a stronger transit network linking Europe and the Americas with the Middle East, Asia, Africa and beyond. That makes Riyadh Air a growing player in both point-to-point and connecting travel.
Premium onboard experience
Riyadh Air is clearly aiming high on the inflight product. The new Dreamliners will offer Bluetooth audio, USB-C charging and a large entertainment library with hundreds of movies and TV series from partners including Disney+, HBO Max and Warner Bros. The airline is also leaning into a distinct onboard identity with Saudi-made Kayanee wellness products, bedding from John Horsfall and tailored amenity kits.
For younger travellers, bespoke Disney kits add a family-friendly touch, while Business Elite and Business guests will also receive Kayanee loungewear. The overall effect is a long-haul experience built around rest, connectivity and a strong sense of place.
Sfeer loyalty program
Alongside the new routes, Riyadh Air is using the moment to promote Sfeer, its loyalty program. The program includes a Best Offer Guarantee, no points expiry, the ability to share points with friends and family, and complimentary onboard Wi‑Fi for members.
Early members are being invited to join as Founders, with priority access to new route bookings and additional benefits as the airline scales. That gives frequent flyers a reason to sign up before the network becomes even busier later in the year.
What this means for travellers
For passengers, the headline is simple: more destinations, a more premium cabin experience and a new airline that is expanding quickly. Riyadh Air is not just selling flights; it is building a hub strategy designed to connect Saudi Arabia with major business and leisure markets worldwide.
With Dreamliner deliveries accelerating and more route announcements expected soon, this is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched airline launches in the region. Travellers can book through the airline’s website and app, with sales now open for the initial wave of destinations.
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