Dubai among 5 new destinations as Riyadh Air expands global network with Dreamliner fleet
Early aircraft deliveries accelerate inaugural London service to June 10, 2026
DUBAI – Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s emerging national carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund, has unveiled a major expansion of its international network with the launch of five new destinations, including Dubai.
The announcement comes alongside the arrival of its first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a significant step in the airline’s operational rollout. Ticket sales for the new routes are open to the public, signalling the beginning of an accelerated phase of global connectivity.
The move positions Riyadh Air to strengthen its presence across key regional and international aviation corridors.
New destinations
The airline confirmed that its new destinations include Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester, with each route carefully selected to support business, tourism and cultural exchange. Services are scheduled to commence in phases, beginning with Jeddah on June 14, followed by Dubai on June 18. Cairo flights will begin on June 25, while Madrid and Manchester services are set for July 17 and July 23 respectively.
Reliving the night the new era of travel took center stage ✈️???????? pic.twitter.com/fttZX6aNnc
— Riyadh Air | طيران الرياض (@RiyadhAir) June 8, 2026
Riyadh Air stated that the expansion reflects its broader ambition to connect Riyadh to more than 100 global destinations by 2030. The new routes are also designed to function as transfer points, linking passengers travelling between Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East through the Saudi capital. The airline noted that additional destinations are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as part of its phased network rollout strategy.
The rescheduling of the London launch highlights Riyadh Air’s ambition to enter competitive long-haul markets ahead of its original timeline. The airline described the change as part of its broader strategy to rapidly scale operations while maintaining service quality. The London route is expected to serve as a key link between Riyadh and one of Europe’s most important aviation hubs.
Alongside London, the newly announced destinations further extend Riyadh Air’s reach into high-demand international markets. Dubai, in particular, strengthens regional connectivity within the Gulf while supporting high-frequency business and leisure travel between the two cities. The carrier emphasised that its network design prioritises seamless onward connections to wider global destinations beyond its direct routes.
Fleet boost
The expansion coincides with the arrival of the airline’s first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which form the backbone of its initial operational fleet. A third aircraft arrived in the Kingdom recently, strengthening readiness for scheduled commercial operations. Riyadh Air plans to operate a total of 72 Dreamliners in the coming years, each configured with modern interiors and advanced onboard systems.
The airline confirmed that the early delivery of aircraft has allowed it to bring forward its inaugural London service from July 1 to June 10, 2026. This adjustment reflects improved fleet availability and accelerated operational readiness. Ticket sales for the London route are already open through official channels, marking one of the carrier’s most significant early milestones.
Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners feature a four-class configuration comprising Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Each cabin is designed to deliver enhanced comfort and advanced technology, including Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB-C charging points and high-resolution entertainment screens across all classes. Business Elite and Business cabins offer fully flat-bed seating in a 1-2-1 layout, designed for long-haul comfort and privacy.
Premium Economy features a 2-3-2 seating configuration with additional storage, privacy wings and expanded personal space, while Economy offers ergonomically designed seating in a 3-3-3 layout with adjustable headrests. Across the aircraft, passengers will have access to Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, offering more than 500 films, 600 television series and 1,000 audio selections through partners including Disney+, HBO Max and Warner Bros.
Loyalty rollout
The airline has also introduced its loyalty programme, Sfeer, designed to enhance passenger engagement from launch. Members will benefit from a Best Offer Guarantee, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and a no points expiry policy. The programme allows points sharing among family and friends and integrates gamified features such as challenges and leaderboards. Early members, referred to as ‘Founders’, will receive priority access to bookings and exclusive benefits across future route launches.
In addition to digital engagement, Riyadh Air highlighted its focus on onboard hospitality, featuring Saudi-made Kayanee wellness products, bespoke amenity kits for younger travellers and premium bedding supplied by John Horsfall. Business Elite and Business passengers will also receive exclusive loungewear, while Premium Economy travellers will be provided with branded comfort items designed to enhance long-haul travel experience.