Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has announced its entry into the Indian aviation market with daily non-stop flights between Mumbai and Riyadh beginning August 4, 2026, expanding connectivity between India and the Saudi capital.

Bookings for the new service opened on July 6, with the airline deploying Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the route. Mumbai will become the ninth destination in Riyadh Air’s expanding international network as the carrier works towards connecting more than 100 destinations globally by 2030.

Riyadh Air To Operate Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner On Mumbai Route

The daily Mumbai-Riyadh service will offer Indian travellers a new direct connection to Saudi Arabia and onward connectivity through the airline’s expanding network.

Riyadh Air will operate the route using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring four cabin classes: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.

The cabin configuration is aimed at serving different categories of passengers, ranging from premium travellers to customers seeking economy-class fares.

The airline expects the route to attract business travellers, tourists, religious pilgrims and members of the large Indian expatriate community living in Saudi Arabia.

Mumbai Becomes Ninth Destination In Riyadh Air Network

The addition of Mumbai takes Riyadh Air’s international network to nine destinations as the airline continues its global expansion.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the carrier plans to connect more than 100 international destinations by 2030.

The expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to establish Riyadh as a major global aviation hub while supporting the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy.

Riyadh Air has positioned itself as a premium international carrier focused on operating modern aircraft, improving passenger experience and expanding global connectivity.

India A Strategic Aviation Market For Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said India was one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and represented a strategic priority for the airline.

He said the Mumbai service would provide Indian passengers with greater connectivity to Saudi Arabia while enabling onward connections to destinations in Europe and other international markets.

Travellers using the new service are expected to have access to connections through Riyadh to destinations including London, Madrid, Jeddah and Cairo.

The airline expects its growing network to strengthen Riyadh’s position as an international connecting hub for travellers flying between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

New Route Reflects Growing India-Saudi Arabia Ties

The launch comes amid expanding economic, tourism and diplomatic ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

Increasing business investments, growth in leisure travel and strengthening bilateral relations have contributed to rising demand for direct air connectivity between the two countries.

The new service will add capacity to the busy India-Middle East aviation market and provide passengers with another option for travelling between Mumbai and Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Air Targets More Than 100 Destinations By 2030

Riyadh Air was launched in March 2023 and has been positioned as a key component of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop its aviation and tourism sectors.

The airline aims to contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification plans by supporting international tourism, trade and passenger connectivity.

Its entry into India is expected to increase competition on routes between India and the Middle East while strengthening Mumbai’s role as one of the country’s busiest international aviation gateways.

With daily Mumbai-Riyadh flights scheduled to begin on August 4, Riyadh Air is continuing its international expansion as it works towards building a network of more than 100 destinations by the end of the decade.

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