Riyadh Air to launch daily direct flights connecting Mumbai and Riyadh

Saudi Arabia-based Riyadh Air announced on Monday, July 6, 2026, its entry into the Indian aviation market with the launch of daily direct flights between Mumbai and Riyadh. The new service, scheduled to begin on August 4, 2026, marks the airline's first route into India.

Bookings for the daily flight opened on July 6, 2026, the same day as the announcement. The premium carrier, which is backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will operate the route using a Boeing B787-9 aircraft. This aircraft will offer a four-class configuration, consisting of business elite, business, premium economy, and economy classes.

The new route is a key addition to the growing network of Riyadh Air, which currently spans nine destinations. The airline has stated that more destinations are set to be announced in the coming days and weeks as part of its broader mission to connect Saudi Arabia with major global and regional hubs. Launched in March 2023, Riyadh Air has set a long-term goal to connect its flight network to over 100 destinations globally by 2030.

According to the airline, the Mumbai-Riyadh route is designed to serve the significant demand for business and leisure travel to Saudi Arabia and Europe. It also provides a new travel option for expatriate communities returning to India.

Tony Douglas, the CEO of Riyadh Air, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating that India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally. He noted that the airline is delighted to offer travelers a premium choice and enhanced global connectivity from Mumbai to Riyadh, and onwards to Europe.

The new service will also position Riyadh as a key transport hub, providing passengers traveling from Mumbai with convenient onward connections to major global destinations such as London and Madrid, alongside regional cities like Jeddah and Cairo.