Saudi Arabia’s newest premium airline, Riyadh Air, is set to enter one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets with the launch of daily non-stop flights between Riyadh and Mumbai from August 4. The new service marks the carrier’s first destination in India and signals the beginning of its long-term expansion plans across the country.
The airline will operate the route with its flagship Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering passengers a four-class cabin configuration comprising Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The daily service will depart King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 2:05 p.m., arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 8:35 p.m. The return flight will leave Mumbai at 10:05 p.m. and land in Riyadh at 11:50 p.m., providing convenient schedules for both business and leisure travellers. Bookings for the new route opened on July 6.
India has long been identified as a priority market for Riyadh Air, and Mumbai’s selection as its first destination reflects the strong business, tourism and expatriate links between the two countries. The new route will also provide travellers with onward connections through Riyadh to destinations across Europe and the Middle East, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as an emerging global aviation hub.
Speaking on the launch, Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas said India is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, and the airline is pleased to offer travellers a new premium travel option while enhancing global connectivity through Riyadh.
Mumbai is expected to be only the beginning of the airline’s India strategy. Riyadh Air has indicated that it is evaluating additional destinations, with Delhi and Bengaluru widely expected to feature in its future expansion plans as the carrier builds a stronger presence in the Indian market.
The airline enters an already competitive India–Saudi Arabia market, where demand continues to grow steadily. Several airlines currently operate services between the two countries, including Saudia, flynas, flyadeal, IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air, reflecting strong demand from business travellers, tourists, religious pilgrims and the large expatriate community. The addition of Riyadh Air introduces another premium choice for passengers travelling between the two nations.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air has ambitious growth plans. Since its launch in 2023, the airline has outlined a vision to connect more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, supported by a rapidly expanding fleet and a focus on delivering a premium travel experience. The Mumbai route represents another milestone in that journey while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to position Riyadh as a major international aviation gateway.
With daily services now confirmed, Indian travellers will soon have another direct gateway to Saudi Arabia, while international passengers will gain greater access to Riyadh’s expanding global network. As air connectivity between India and the Kingdom continues to grow, the new route is expected to strengthen tourism, trade and business ties between the two countries.
