Riyadh Air Joins British Airways, Air India, Emirates, IndiGo in Launching New Flights with Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900, 1000, Dreamliners from London Heathrow This Year

Published on October 9, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Riyadh Air has joined British Airways, Air India, Emirates, and IndiGo in launching new flights from London Heathrow this year, expanding its global reach. These airlines are all deploying advanced aircraft like the Boeing 787-9, Dreamliners and Airbus A350-900 to enhance connectivity and offer superior comfort to passengers. Riyadh Air, in particular, marks a significant entry into the competitive market, starting daily services to London Heathrow with its fleet.

Similarly, British Airways, Air India, Emirates, and IndiGo are enhancing their operations with increased frequency and modern aircraft. This surge in flight offerings reflects the growing demand for international travel and the strategic importance of London Heathrow as a global aviation hub.

These airlines, with their state-of-the-art fleets, are not just increasing flight frequencies but also setting new standards in passenger experience, making London Heathrow an even more crucial point in international connectivity for travelers worldwide.

Riyadh Air to Launch Daily Flights to Heathrow, Starting October 26

Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabian start-up, is all set to launch its first international flights to London Heathrow on October 26, 2025. However, ticket sales will be limited initially, available only to select groups and airline employees. This soft launch is designed to help the airline achieve “unparalleled operational readiness” ahead of receiving its first batch of Boeing 787-9 aircraft. With this move, Riyadh Air aims to lay the groundwork for its official public ticket sales and full commercial operations in the near future.

Riyadh Air’s Strategic Operations and Initial Flight Plan

Riyadh Air’s daily services to London Heathrow will kick off with a Boeing 787-9 “technical spare” leased from Oman Air. The aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines, will offer Riyadh Air an opportunity to test its operational processes ahead of the delivery of its own 787-9 fleet. This move is part of the airline’s strategy to ensure a smooth transition into its international flight operations. Although the first 787-9 aircraft has already rolled off the Boeing assembly line in Charleston in August, Riyadh Air has not disclosed when they expect to receive it or when tickets will go on general sale.

The airline’s CEO, Tony Douglas, confirmed that the operation fulfills Riyadh Air’s commitment to begin flying in 2025, with plans to expand its fleet and routes as the year progresses. This milestone signifies the beginning of Riyadh Air’s global presence and marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and aviation sector.

Riyadh Air’s Fleet and Aircraft Plans

Riyadh Air plans to build a robust fleet, including up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which will be central to its long-haul operations. The airline has firm orders for 39 of these advanced widebody jets and options for 33 more. Alongside these, Riyadh Air also has significant orders for 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, reinforcing its ambitious vision for a diverse and modern fleet.

In addition to its widebody aircraft, Riyadh Air will also operate a fleet of narrowbody Airbus A320neo-family jets. These planes will be used for shorter regional routes, complementing the widebody jets on long-haul flights. This combination of aircraft types gives Riyadh Air the flexibility to operate a wide range of services across different markets, further supporting its plans for rapid growth.

Expansion Plans and New Routes for Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air has ambitious plans to expand its network soon after the Heathrow launch. In particular, the airline will soon introduce flights to Dubai, further strengthening its regional and international connectivity. Tony Douglas mentioned that these new routes will be announced in the coming weeks, with an eye on winter 2025 and summer 2026 as the key periods for expansion. The initial focus on Heathrow and Dubai will lay the foundation for more long-haul and regional destinations, making Riyadh Air an essential player in the global aviation industry.

By expanding rapidly and ensuring operational readiness through strategic test flights and route launches, Riyadh Air aims to position itself as a major global airline within the next few years. The airline’s focus on operational excellence and customer service will be key to its success in a competitive market.

Sfeer Loyalty Programme and Customer-Centric Focus

In addition to its operational growth, Riyadh Air is also focusing on enhancing its customer experience through the launch of the Sfeer loyalty programme. This programme is designed to reward frequent flyers with benefits such as priority boarding, lounge access, and special offers. The introduction of Sfeer aligns with the airline’s broader strategy of creating a strong, loyal customer base as it prepares for full commercial operations.

The Sfeer programme is expected to attract a wide range of travelers, from business professionals to leisure tourists, offering them exclusive rewards for flying with Riyadh Air. As the airline continues to grow and expand its network, this programme will play a vital role in customer retention, ensuring that Riyadh Air builds a strong reputation in the competitive international aviation market.

Riyadh Air’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Riyadh Air is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform the country’s economy by diversifying into non-oil sectors, including aviation and tourism. As one of the key components of this vision, Riyadh Air will help foster greater international connectivity for Saudi Arabia, encouraging both inbound and outbound tourism, as well as increasing the country’s global trade links.

The airline’s rapid expansion is aligned with the government’s efforts to strengthen its aviation infrastructure, create jobs, and increase tourism in the region. With its modern fleet, strategic partnerships, and customer-focused approach, Riyadh Air is poised to become a critical player in the Middle Eastern and global aviation sectors.

The Future of Riyadh Air and the Saudi Aviation Sector

Looking ahead, Riyadh Air’s leadership team is focused on positioning the airline as a leading international carrier, with plans to expand its operations beyond the initial routes. The airline’s future success will rely heavily on its ability to balance operational efficiency with an exceptional customer experience.

As the airline receives its new aircraft and begins full commercial flights, it will be exciting to watch how Riyadh Air competes with both regional and international carriers. Given Saudi Arabia’s significant investments in aviation and tourism, Riyadh Air’s rapid growth and innovative approach are likely to reshape the Middle Eastern aviation landscape for years to come.

Riyadh Air’s Role in Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Global Presence

With its operations set to expand in the coming months, Riyadh Air’s influence on the international aviation scene will grow. The airline’s strategic route planning, modern fleet, and customer-centric services are setting the stage for success. As it continues to roll out new routes and build its fleet, Riyadh Air is helping to establish Saudi Arabia as a key hub for global travel.

Riyadh Air’s launch is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for the airline and the wider Saudi aviation industry. The success of its operations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global air travel and contributing to the country’s broader economic ambitions.