Riyadh Air, announces plans to commence non-stop flights to five prominent Indian destinations from the summer of 2026. The airline will connect Riyadh with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, as part of its strategy to deepen ties with India and tap into the growing demand for air travel between the two countries.
Highlights & Strategic Rationale
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Target Cities: Alongside the traditional gateways of Delhi and Mumbai, Riyadh Air is adding Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai—fast-growing hubs of technology, commerce, and outbound travel.
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Market Focus: The airline aims to cater to business travellers, leisure tourists, and those flying for religious purposes, while offering more direct, time-efficient connections and reducing dependence on stopover itineraries via other hubs.
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Broader Connectivity: The expansion underscores Riyadh Air’s ambition to strengthen aviation links between India and Saudi Arabia, leveraging cultural, economic, and pilgrimage ties.
Opportunities & Challenges
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Opportunities:
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Greater convenience for Indian travellers, especially from southern cities where direct international connections are limited.
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Growth in business and tourism flows, including religious travel, trade, and expatriate movement.
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Enhanced competition, potentially driving more competitive fares and better service quality.
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Outlook
By launching five routes at once, Riyadh Air signals its commitment to building a strong presence in India and positioning itself as a major carrier in the India-Saudi Arabia corridor. The expansion is expected to significantly boost connectivity, support bilateral relations, and lay the foundation for further route development in the years ahead.
