Riyadh Air Launches Daily Service with First Commercial Flight on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to London Heathrow

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s newly established national carrier, has officially commenced its first daily commercial flight utilizing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This inaugural flight, designated RX401, departed from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh and arrived at London Heathrow (LHR), marking a significant milestone in the airline’s development.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which arrived in Riyadh just five days prior on June 5, is designed to enhance passenger comfort and experience. It features advanced in-flight entertainment systems, premium seating arrangements, and the hallmark of Saudi hospitality. This new service is a crucial step in Riyadh Air’s ambitious plan to establish a global network of over 100 destinations by 2030.

Enhancing Connectivity and Travel Experience

The daily flights between Riyadh and London will facilitate seamless travel for passengers heading to key destinations such as Cairo and Jeddah. The introduction of this route is expected to significantly improve connectivity for travelers flying from the UK to the Middle East and beyond.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating that it represents the birth of a new airline and a major milestone in Riyadh Air’s evolution into a world-class carrier. He noted the dedication of the team and partners in achieving this goal, highlighting the new standard of luxury and comfort that the airline aims to provide.

Riyadh Air has been preparing for this launch through its ‘Pathway to Perfect’ operational readiness program, which began in October 2025. This extensive initiative ensured that all systems were fully optimized for the first commercial flight on the newly delivered Dreamliner.

Aircraft Delivery and Future Plans

The airline received its first two Boeing 787 Dreamliners on June 5, followed by a third aircraft on June 7. This rapid delivery schedule is integral to Riyadh Air’s objective of connecting the Kingdom to 100 destinations by 2030. Douglas expressed excitement over the accelerated pace of aircraft deliveries, which allowed the airline to advance the London flight’s launch from its original schedule of July 1.

Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer at Heathrow, remarked on the significance of welcoming Riyadh Air’s inaugural commercial flight. He noted that this partnership would enhance access not only to the Middle East but also to various destinations across Asia.

Flight Schedule and Booking Information

The Riyadh-London route operates daily with the following schedule:

• From London Heathrow (LHR) to Riyadh (RX402):

  • Departure: 09:35
  • Arrival: 18:05

• From Riyadh (RUH) to London Heathrow (RX401):

  • Departure: 02:35
  • Arrival: 07:30

Tickets for the London route can be purchased via the Riyadh Air App, the airline’s official website, or through selected travel providers. Passengers are also encouraged to join the airline’s loyalty program, Sfeer, which offers various benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi and a Best Offer Guarantee.

Premium Comfort and In-Flight Experience

Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners feature a four-class configuration: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. Each class is designed to provide exceptional comfort and advanced technology. Business Elite and Business classes offer a fully flat-bed 1-2-1 layout, while Premium Economy and Economy classes include various enhancements for passenger comfort.

The in-flight entertainment system is among the most advanced in the industry, featuring over 500 movies, 600 TV series, and 1,000 audio albums. This system is powered by Panasonic Avionics’ innovative Astrova IFE technology, which includes mobile-first connectivity and high-quality visuals.

Signature Onboard Hospitality

Passengers will also enjoy a range of Saudi-made in-flight products, including bespoke amenity kits for younger travelers and a premium dining experience. Business Elite and Business class passengers will receive exclusive loungewear, while Premium Economy guests will be provided with a loungewear top.

About Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air, a wholly owned company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is redefining air travel as a full-service global carrier based in Riyadh. Since its launch in March 2023, the airline has focused on building a modern fleet and implementing sustainable practices. By 2030, Riyadh Air aims to connect travelers to over 100 destinations worldwide, with authentic Saudi hospitality at the core of its operations.

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Published on 2026-06-10 19:21:00 • By the Editorial Desk