Riyadh Air Expands Network with 15 Initial Routes, Signaling a New Era for Saudi Aviation

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, is laying the groundwork for a substantial network expansion, with plans for 15 initial routes as it prepares for its official launch in 2025. This development is intrinsically linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious project aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy and establishing it as a global hub.

Network Plans Take Shape

While the airline has been operating flights to London Heathrow since late October, these flights are primarily to secure airport slots under the “apply-it-or-lose-it” rule, and do not currently carry regular passengers Riyadh Air. The initial network, submitted to Airport Coordination Limited (ACL), indicates a strategic focus on both high-demand point-to-point routes and key connection points, mirroring the operational models of established carriers like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways.

Initial Route Map

Riyadh Air’s planned routes encompass destinations across Africa, Asia (excluding the Middle East), Europe, and the Middle East. The proposed network includes:

• Africa: Cairo
• Asia (excl. The Middle East): Bangkok, Islamabad, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manila, Mumbai
• Europe: London, Madrid, Manchester, Paris
• Middle East: Amman, Dubai, Jeddah

Leveraging Traffic Flows

A significant portion of Riyadh Air’s strategy revolves around capitalizing on substantial indirect traffic flows. Data indicates strong demand on several routes from Riyadh, including approximately 600,000 round-trip passengers between Riyadh and Islamabad in 2025, 510,000 to Manila, 375,000 to Lahore, 267,000 to Mumbai, 149,000 to Jakarta, and 141,000 to Bangkok Riyadh Air. Cairo and Dubai also represent high-volume routes, with 2.3 million, and 2.2 million passengers respectively.

Competition and Unserved Markets

Thirteen of the fifteen disclosed destinations are already served by existing airlines, including Saudia, which operates flights to all 12 previously served markets. The remaining two destinations, Jakarta and Madrid, represent new opportunities for Riyadh Air, with Madrid not having been served since 2022 and Jakarta last served in 2025. Manchester has seen limited flights in the past, but current service is unconfirmed.

Fleet Expansion

To support its ambitious network plans, Riyadh Air is investing in a substantial fleet comprising Airbus A321neos, A350-1000s, and Boeing 787-9s. This fleet expansion will be crucial for facilitating the projected growth in passenger volume, particularly across South Asia.

Looking Ahead

While specific start dates, frequencies, and aircraft deployments remain undisclosed, Riyadh Air’s initial network submission signals a clear intent to become a major player in the global aviation landscape. The airline aims to connect over 100 destinations by 2030, contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals Riyadh Air.