Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabia-based premium carrier, has announced its entry into India with the launch of daily direct flights between Riyadh and Mumbai, starting August 4.
The bookings for the daily flight will open from July 6, said the airline, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The new daily air service between Mumbai and Riyadh will be operated by a Boeing B787-9 aircraft, offering a four-class configuration â business elite, business, premium economy and economy.
The latest route is a key addition to Riyadh Air's growing network, which now spans nine destinations with more set to be announced in the coming days and weeks, the airline said, adding that it also strengthens its mission to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with major global and regional hubs.
"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, CEO of Riyadh Air.
Launched in March 2023, Riyadh Air aims to connect its flight network to over 100 destinations globally by 2030.
The Mumbai-Riyadh route will offer onward connectivity to Europe and the Middle East, catering to both business and leisure travellers from India, the airline said.
This first flight from India demonstrates Riyadh Air's commitment to one of the world's largest and fastest-growing aviation markets.
The route serves the significant Indian demand for business and leisure travel to Saudi Arabia and Europe in addition to serving expatriate communities who have a new option for their travels back to India.
The new service also positions Riyadh as a key transport hub, offering convenient onward connections for passengers travelling from Mumbai to global destinations such as London and Madrid plus regional cities including Jeddah and Cairo, the airline said.
(With inputs from PTI)