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Last updated: March 2026
Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, created as part of the country’s Vision 2030 strategy. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the airline aims to turn Riyadh into a major global aviation hub and connect Saudi Arabia with destinations across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Riyadh Air: Saudi Arabia’s new global airline
Riyadh Air will operate alongside Saudia as a national airline for Saudi Arabia. While Saudia’s hub is in Jeddah, Riyadh Air will focus on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, helping expand international connectivity from the capital.
Key facts about Riyadh Air:
- Founded: Announced in March 2023 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)
- First flights: October 2025 operational readiness flights from Riyadh to London Heathrow
- Main hub: King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
- Fleet orders: 124 aircraft including Boeing 787-9, Airbus A321neo and Airbus A350-1000
- Network goal: More than 100 destinations by 2030
- Positioning: A premium airline aiming to compete with Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad
Riyadh Air has already confirmed early routes from Riyadh to London Heathrow, Dubai and Cairo, with more destinations expected as new aircraft join the fleet!
Riyadh Air destinations
Riyadh Air’s network is still developing, but the airline has already begun building routes from its hub in Riyadh. As the fleet grows, the airline plans to expand across major global regions. Currently confirmed and planned destinations include:
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Dubai International (DXB)
- Cairo International (CAI)
Riyadh Air is expected to follow a hub-and-spoke model, similar to airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. This approach connects passengers through Riyadh to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
Riyadh Air baggage allowance
Riyadh Air has not yet published its official baggage allowance. As a full-service airline, it is expected to follow similar baggage policies to other global network airlines.
Based on industry standards, you can likely expect the following:
- Economy Class: up to 2 checked bags (23 kg each)
- Business Class / First Class: up to 2 checked bags (32 kg each)
- Economy carry-on: 1 cabin bag per passenger (around 7 kg)
- Business / First carry-on: 2 cabin bags per passenger (around 7 kg each)
These allowances are estimates based on comparable full-service airlines. Riyadh Air has not confirmed its final baggage policy yet.
Once the airline publishes official baggage rules, we will update this page with the latest information.
Riyadh Air cabin classes
Riyadh Air offers a four-cabin configuration on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, designed to provide a full-service travel experience similar to other major Gulf airlines. The airline’s cabin classes include:
- Economy Class
- Premium Economy
- Business Class
- Business Elite (a premium business suite at the front of the aircraft)
Each cabin includes modern technology, including 4K OLED entertainment screens at every seat and Bluetooth audio connectivity.
Riyadh Air has also confirmed that a First Class cabin is planned for future Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, although full details have not yet been announced.
Riyadh Air food and drink
Riyadh Air will provide complimentary food and drinks on its flights, in line with its position as a full-service airline. You can expect:
- Economy Class: complimentary meals and drinks on long-haul flights
- Premium Economy: upgraded meal options and additional drink choices
- Business Class and Business Elite: multi-course meals served throughout the flight
The airline has also confirmed partnerships with Saudi brands such as the Saudi Coffee Company, meaning passengers can expect premium Saudi coffee onboard.
It’s worth noting that Riyadh Air will not serve alcohol on its flights, in line with Saudi Arabia’s legal framework.
Full menu details have not yet been released. We will update this page once the airline publishes its official onboard dining information.
Riyadh Air frequent flyer
Sfeer
Riyadh Air’s frequent flyer programme is called Sfeer, which means “ambassador” in Arabic. The programme launched in 2025 and rewards members with points when flying with Riyadh Air and its airline partners.
Key features of the Sfeer programme include:
- Points that never expire
- Revenue-based earning, meaning points are earned based on ticket spend
- Points sharing, allowing members to transfer points and benefits to friends or family
- Free gate-to-gate Wi-Fi for all Sfeer members on Riyadh Air flights
The programme will also include elite tiers with benefits such as priority services and lounge access, although full tier details have not yet been announced.
As Riyadh Air expands its network and partnerships, more earning and redemption options are expected to be added. We will update this page as more information becomes available.
Riyadh Air airline alliances
Riyadh Air is not currently a member of any airline alliance such as oneworld, Star Alliance or SkyTeam.
Instead, the airline has chosen to build a network of individual airline partnerships. These partnerships will help Riyadh Air connect passengers to more destinations around the world through shared flights between airlines and loyalty cooperation.
Riyadh Air has already announced partnerships with several international airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. More partnerships are expected as the airline expands its global network.
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Flexible ways to pay for Riyadh Air flights
When you book Riyadh Air flights with Alternative Airlines, you can spread the cost using flexible Buy Now Pay Later options. Instead of paying the full ticket price upfront, you can split the cost into smaller instalments that are easier to manage.
Alternative Airlines offers several payment options in the Middle East, including Tabby and Tamara.
Tabby
Pay for your flights in 4 equal instalments over 6 weeks, with no interest or hidden fees. Available to qualifying residents in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.
Tamara
Split the cost of your flights into 2, 3 or 4 instalments when you check out. Tamara is interest-free when payments are made on time and is also Shariah-compliant. Available in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Using Alternative Airlines lets you book now and pay later, helping you manage travel costs without paying everything at once.
Riyadh Air hub airports
King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh serves as the main hub for Riyadh Air. The airline is headquartered in the Saudi capital and operates its flights from this airport.
Key facts about Riyadh Air’s hub:
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Airport code: RUH
- Role: Primary hub for Riyadh Air operations
King Khalid International Airport already handles flights from several Saudi airlines, including Saudia and flynas. In the future, Riyadh Air is expected to play a major role in expanding international connectivity from Riyadh as Saudi Arabia grows its aviation sector.
Riyadh Air fleet
Riyadh Air has already confirmed major aircraft orders as it prepares to build a large international network from Riyadh. The airline’s planned fleet includes:
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for long-haul international routes
- Airbus A321neo for short and medium-haul flights
- Airbus A350-1000 for future ultra-long-haul routes
In total, Riyadh Air has 124 aircraft on firm order, with additional options that could bring the total to 182 aircraft in the future.
The Boeing 787-9 will be the airline’s first operational aircraft and will serve as the backbone of its early long-haul network. As the airline grows, the A321neo and A350-1000 will help expand routes across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North America.