Riyadh Air is gearing up to launch its inaugural flights to London Heathrow on October 26, coinciding with the switch to winter schedules for northern airlines. This new route from Riyadh is set to be officially announced soon, marking Riyadh Air’s debut at Heathrow alongside Air Peace. The airline plans to operate daily flights using the Boeing 787-9, likely utilizing British Airways slots through the bmi remedy slot release procedure. Initially, Riyadh Air might use an 8.4-year-old ex-Oman Air aircraft, HZ-RXX, which has 288 seats, although this is intended as a temporary solution. The goal is to replace it with a new aircraft featuring Riyadh Air’s latest cabin design as soon as possible.
Heathrow is a highly attractive destination for Riyadh Air, given its status as a busy, high-yielding, and rapidly growing market. In the year leading up to May 2025, around 500,000 passengers traveled between Riyadh and Heathrow, with an average fare of approximately $1,400 each way. This high fare is largely due to the significant number of business and government travelers, as well as students and those visiting friends and family. In contrast, the Heathrow-Jeddah route, which sees many pilgrims, has a much lower average fare. Riyadh Air’s entry into this market will make it the fourth airline to operate on this route, joining Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Saudia.
Virgin Atlantic began its Riyadh service in March, and depending on Riyadh Air’s partnership with Virgin, the two airlines could offer a combined two daily flights. British Airways has been flying to Riyadh since 2009, with frequencies recently increasing to 13 weekly flights, although this will decrease in the winter. Saudia currently operates up to 22 weekly flights between Riyadh and Heathrow, but this may change as the airline potentially shifts focus to other markets. Riyadh Air’s expansion plans include a large Asian network, supported by its orders for 787-9s, A350-1000s, and A321neos, and partnerships with Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines will further bolster its growth.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
