‘Dubai is back’: Riyadh Air begins daily flights as Gulf travel enters new phase
New carrier expands connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the UAE
DUBAI – Riyadh Air has officially begun its daily service between Riyadh and Dubai, marking a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier and strengthening one of the Middle East’s most important aviation links.
Dubai Airports has described the launch as another sign that regional aviation is gaining momentum, with the new route adding capacity and choice for passengers travelling between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The inaugural flight marks Riyadh Air’s third official destination as the airline continues building its network ahead of its long-term goal of connecting the Kingdom to 100 destinations by 2030.
Riyadh-Dubai flights
The new daily connection operates between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Dubai International Airport (DXB), with the service operated on one of Riyadh Air’s newly delivered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Flight RX243 departs Riyadh at 14:05 and arrives in Dubai at 17:00, while the return service RX244 leaves Dubai at 18:30 and reaches Riyadh at 19:20, with all timings based on local time.
The launch reinforces one of the region’s busiest aviation corridors, connecting two major economic and commercial centres. According to OAG, the Dubai-Riyadh route ranked as the seventh busiest international corridor globally in 2025, highlighting strong demand for travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Dubai Airports said the new service strengthens connectivity between two cities that continue to play a key role in shaping the future of the Middle East. The addition of Riyadh Air’s flights expands travel options for passengers while supporting stronger economic, tourism and commercial links between the two markets.
The route also supports Riyadh Air’s broader strategy of creating a global network from Saudi Arabia’s capital. Passengers travelling from Dubai will be able to access Riyadh’s growing business, entertainment and tourism offerings, while Riyadh will serve as a gateway for onward journeys, including connections to destinations such as London, Manchester and future routes across Asia.
Riyadh Air’s first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners arrived in Riyadh on June 5, followed by a third aircraft on June 7. Further aircraft deliveries are expected as the airline continues expanding its fleet and preparing for additional destinations.
Premium travel
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners introduce a four-class cabin configuration featuring Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy options, designed around comfort, technology and personalised services.
Business Elite and Business cabins feature a fully flat-bed 1-2-1 layout, with AC power, USB-C and USB-A charging options, alongside high-fidelity audio delivered directly through the seat headrests. Premium Economy offers a 2-3-2 configuration with privacy headrest wings, additional storage areas, expandable surfaces and four USB-C charging points.
Economy passengers will experience a 3-3-3 layout with six-way adjustable headrests and two USB-C charging points. Across all cabins, seats have been designed with ergonomic support, plush foam and premium fabrics to provide a comfortable journey.
Passengers onboard Riyadh Air’s Dreamliners will also have access to an advanced in-flight entertainment system powered by Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova platform. The system features more than 500 films, 600 television series from partners including Shahid, Disney+, HBO Max and Warner Bros., along with 1,000 audio albums and playlists.
The entertainment system also includes mobile-first connectivity, cinema-quality visuals, Bluetooth audio connectivity and USB-C charging facilities, offering passengers a more connected experience throughout their journey.
Digital benefits
Alongside its onboard services, Riyadh Air is introducing its loyalty programme, Sfeer, offering passengers access to exclusive benefits from their first flight. Members receive a Best Offer Guarantee, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, rewards opportunities and a no-points-expiry policy.
The programme, whose name combines the Arabic word for “Ambassador” and the English word “sphere”, is designed as a digital lifestyle platform connecting travellers with benefits both in the air and on the ground. Members can also share level points with friends and family, while gamified features such as challenges and leaderboards add a community element.
Early members of Sfeer will become part of ‘The Founders’, receiving priority access to bookings on new routes and additional benefits as Riyadh Air continues expanding its network.
Passengers can purchase tickets through the Riyadh Air app, the airline’s official website, and preferred travel providers. The launch of the Dubai service adds another step in Riyadh Air’s expansion journey, bringing its latest-generation aircraft, digital services and Saudi hospitality experience to one of the world’s most active aviation markets.