Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air to begin daily Mumbai flights from August 4

Saudi Arabia's airline Riyadh Air will begin daily direct flights between Riyadh and Mumbai from August 4, marking its entry into the India. The airline announced on Monday that bookings for the new service will open on July 6.

The daily Mumbai-Riyadh route will be operated using a Boeing 787-9 aircraft configured with four cabin classes — business elite, business, premium economy and economy.

The airline said the new route expands its network to nine destinations and supports its plan to strengthen connectivity between Saudi Arabia and major international and regional hubs.

Focus on India expansion

Riyadh Air said the Mumbai route reflects its commitment to India, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing aviation markets. The service is expected to cater to business and leisure travellers, as well as expatriate communities travelling between the two countries.

The airline said passengers flying from Mumbai will also have onward connections through Riyadh to destinations in Europe and the Middle East, including London, Madrid, Jeddah and Cairo.

“With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, we are delighted to offer travellers a new premium choice and enhanced global connectivity from Mumbai to Riyadh, and onwards to Europe,” said Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air.

Launched in March 2023, Riyadh Air plans to connect to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. The airline said additional destinations in its expanding network will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

(With PTI inputs)