Riyadh Air Strengthens Connectivity with Inaugural Domestic Service to Jeddah
Launch of Domestic Operations
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, officially commenced its domestic operations to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah on June 14, 2026. This milestone event occurred just four days after the airline’s first international commercial flight to London Heathrow (LHR). The inaugural flight departed from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 9:00 AM and was scheduled to arrive in Jeddah at 10:50 AM. The flight was welcomed by key figures, including Eng. Mazen bin Mohammed Johar, Chief Executive Officer of Jeddah Airports Company, and other senior officials.
Expanding Route Network
The new service introduces two daily flights, with plans to increase to four daily flights by July 2, 2026. All flights will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, known for their advanced technology and passenger comfort. The Riyadh-Jeddah route is particularly significant, as it ranks as the fifth busiest domestic air corridor globally, with 9.8 million seats recorded in 2025. This expansion aligns with Riyadh Air’s strategy to enhance connectivity within the Kingdom and support the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Enhancing Travel Experience
Passengers can enroll in Riyadh Air’s loyalty program, Sfeer, as ‘Founding Members.’ This program offers benefits such as a Best Offer Guarantee, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and exclusive rewards. The introduction of this loyalty program aims to foster customer loyalty and enhance the overall travel experience.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, emphasized the importance of this new service, stating that it marks a historic moment in the airline’s journey to improve connectivity to Riyadh. He noted that the route has been strategically chosen to cater to business and cultural travel, aligning with the airline’s ambition to become a global player and contribute to Saudi Vision 2030.
Eng. Mazen Johar highlighted the collaboration across various sectors of the aviation industry, which has facilitated the launch of this route. He noted that King Abdulaziz International Airport is positioned as a major aviation hub, having served over 14.8 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026.
Strategic Importance of the Riyadh-Jeddah Route
The Riyadh-Jeddah route is crucial for enhancing business ties and facilitating access to Jeddah, a key commercial port city. It serves as a strategic gateway for religious journeys to Makkah and Madinah, as well as for tourism along the Red Sea coast. Furthermore, the service positions Riyadh as an essential transport hub, providing convenient onward connections to global destinations such as Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester.
Ticketing and Flight Schedule
Tickets for the new service can be purchased through the Riyadh Air App, the airline’s official website, or through preferred travel providers. The flight schedule between RUH and JED is as follows:
| Departing RUH | Departing JED |
|---|---|
| Flight RX0011: (From June 14, all times local) Depart RUH at 09:00 Arrive JED at 10:50 | Flight RX0012: (From June 14, all times local) Depart JED at 12:05 Arrive RUH at 13:50 |
| Flight RX0027: (From June 14, all times local) Depart RUH at 19:40 Arrive JED at 21:30 | Flight RX0028: (From June 14, all times local) Depart JED at 22:45 Arrive RUH at 00:30 +1 day |
| Flight RX0009: (From June 18, all times local) Depart RUH at 07:05 Arrive JED at 08:55 | Flight RX0010: (From June 18, all times local) Depart JED at 10:10 Arrive RUH at 11:55 |
| Flight RX0017: (From July 2, all times local) Depart RUH at 12:45 Arrive JED at 14:35 | Flight RX0018: (From July 2, all times local) Depart JED at 15:50 Arrive RUH at 17:35 |
About Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air, a wholly owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, aims to redefine global travel as a full-service 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 plans to connect travelers to over 100 destinations worldwide, emphasizing authentic Saudi hospitality.
For further details, visit the source: www.zawya.com.
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Published on 2026-06-14 18:13:00 • By the Editorial Desk
