A brand new airline from the Middle East is all set to take to the skies soon. Riyadh Air, the newest airline from Saudi Arabia, will make its operational debut on October 26, with a flight to London. About Riyadh Air Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air will serve as the kingdom’s second national carrier after Saudia. Riyadh Air's main hub will be at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and the airline aims to operate flights to over 100 destinations in six continents. The airline, which was announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in March 2023, has just one aircraft in its fleet - a Boeing 787-9. Riyadh Air aims to operate flights to over 100 destinations in six continents. (Photo: Riyadh Air) Riyadh Air's fleet However, Riyadh Air has placed an order for 39 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with options for 33 more. 60 Airbus A321 Neos and 50 Airbus A350-1000 are also expected to join Riyadh Air’s fleet in the next few years. 'Jamila' to fly to London daily On Wednesday, Riyadh Air announced that the Boeing 787-9 called “Jamila” will commence daily launch flights from Riyadh to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on October 26. Big announcements are taking off 🛫At today’s press conference, we announced our launch flights that will be leading our upcoming journey and marking the next era of travel from Riyadh to the world. pic.twitter.com/ek8Ag1QEdj— Riyadh Air (@RiyadhAir) October 8, 2025 The flight will depart Riyadh at 03:15 local time from Riyadh and will reach London Heathrow at 07:30. The return flight will depart London at 09:30 and arrive in the Saudi capital Riyadh at 19:15. "This isn't just a launch; it's a tangible realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world, a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. Our commitment to begin operations in 2025 is being fulfilled,” Tony Douglas, the CEO of Riyadh Air, said. Riyadh Air will have a fleet of 182 aircraft. (Photo: Riyadh Air) According to Riyadh Air, Dubai will be the second destination to which the new airline will start flying to. Riyadh Air's premium lounge Along with the announcement of its debut flight, Riyadh Air also introduced its first premium lounge. Situated at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Hafawa Lounge aims to provide premium guests with "a sophisticated and exclusive environment" in which to enjoy spending time before their flights. A new chapter of Saudi hospitality is about to unfold…Hafawa Lounge by Riyadh Air, an experience soon taking shape between Terminals 1 and 2 at King Khalid International Airport.— Riyadh Air (@RiyadhAir) October 7, 2025 Riyadh Air's loyalty programme Riyadh Air also introduced a loyalty programme, Sfeer, meaning "Ambassador" in Arabic, which, according to the airline, embodies the vibrant, generous spirit of Saudi Arabia. "With Sfeer, we're creating much more than just a loyalty program; we're building a dynamic, digitally immersive lifestyle ecosystem. Our vision is to truly change the game, offering unparalleled benefits and fostering a unique sense of community among our members," CEO Douglas said.
