A brand new airline is set to launch this July

The long-awaited launch of Riyadh Air is finally upon us, with tickets available on routes between London and the Saudi Arabian capital now.

The Kingdom’s second flag carrier, which was announced back in 2023, has been operating daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow since October last year.

These flights, only available to Riyadh Air employees and other select groups, were used to fine-tune the service and create a “smooth, reliable, and world-class premium travel experience”.

Other destinations set to be served by Riyadh Air in Europe include Manchester and Madrid. The airline will also launch flights to Jeddah, Cairo and Dubai.

It should be noted that Saudi Arabia has been affected by the US-Israel attack on Iran, with missiles intercepted throughout March until the ceasefire in early April. Most recently, three drones from Iraqi airspace were intercepted on 17 May.

The current UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice is to avoid all but essential travel to both the Riyadh and Eastern Provinces, as well as within 10 kilometres of the border with Yemen. France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has similar advice against unnecessary travel.

Why does the launch of Riyadh Air matter?

The Middle East is a key transit hub for European travellers headed for Africa and Asia, with airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad already proving popular.

Riyadh Air has said it plans to operate routes to more than 100 destinations by 2030, meaning tourists from Europe will have even more options for booking.

Codeshare agreements are also in place with top airlines including Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines, meaning you will earn miles across these brands, too.

Saudi Arabia has also emerged as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in recent years.

Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif historic district near Riyadh, learn about the Nabataean Kingdom in Hegra, or relax in one of the resorts on the Red Sea.