Riyadh Air begins daily Dubai-Riyadh flights as first flight begins | News
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, today celebrated the inauguration of its third official destination, with a daily service between Riyadh and Dubai operated on one of its brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The daily service, flight RX243, departs King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh at 2:05 PM and arrives at Dubai Airport (DXB) at 5:00 PM. This marks a significant milestone in the airline’s evolution and builds on a new era of travel and connectivity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This crucial route, which opens today, reinforces the airline’s mission to connect Saudi Arabia to major global and regional hubs and deliver a world-class travel and logistics experience. Riyadh Air’s first two 787 Dreamliners arrived in Riyadh on June 5, followed by a third on June 7 – with the delivery schedule of more aircraft continuing to help the airline achieve its goal of connecting the Kingdom to 100 destinations by 2030.
Ticket purchases can be made via the Riyadh Air app, the Riyadh Air website at riyadhair.com, or through preferred travel providers and platforms. Guests are also invited to become ‘Founding Members’ of the airline’s loyalty programme, Atmosphere, guaranteeing them a Best Offer Guarantee and free Wi-Fi, while earning rewards from their very first flight.
The daily flights between Dubai (DXB) and Riyadh (RUH) operate according to the schedule:
Flights RUH to DXB on RX0243: (all times local)
Departure RUH at 2:05 PM
Arrival DXB at 5:00 PM
Flights DXB to RUH on RX0244: (all times local)
Depart DXB at 6:30 PM
Arrival RUH at 7:20 PM
Riyadh Air’s new daily service connecting Dubai (DXB) and Riyadh (RUH) strengthens one of the strongest bilateral commercial relationships in the Middle East. This strategically important corridor will meet the immense demand for business and leisure travel between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with the Dubai-Riyadh route becoming the seventh busiest international corridor in the world by 2025, according to OAG. This new service strengthens important economic ties and offers travelers more connectivity and choice.”
As the capital and commercial centers of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers guests new opportunities for business engagement and access to its modern attractions, vibrant entertainment and burgeoning economic landscape. This improved connectivity allows visitors to easily explore the different appeals and opportunities of both capitals. The service also positions Riyadh as a major transport hub, providing convenient onward connections for passengers traveling from Dubai to global destinations such as London, Manchester and soon-to-be announced routes across Asia.
Premium comfort and style
Riyadh Air’s new 787-9 Dreamliners offer a four-class configuration – Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy – each designed to provide exceptional comfort and advanced technology. For a truly personalized audio experience, this includes Bluetooth audio connectivity and traditional physical audio jacks available at every seat, in all classes. Business Elite and Business share a fully flat-bed 1-2-1 layout, with AC Power USB-C and USB-A charging and immersive Hi-Fi sound directly into the headrests. Premium Economy’s 2-3-2 layout features privacy headrest wings, extra storage, expandable surfaces, four USB-C charging points, while Economy offers 6-way adjustable headrests and two USB-C charging points in a 3-3-3 configuration. In all classes, seats are ergonomically crafted with soft foam and high-quality fabrics for deep, restorative comfort.
The world’s most modern in-flight entertainment experience
Guests on board Riyadh Air’s Dreamliners will experience one of the world’s most modern in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, with a rich selection of more than 500 films and 600 TV series from partners including Shahid, Disney+, HBO Max and Warner Bros., complemented by 1,000 audio albums and playlists, through Panasonic Avionics’ innovative Astrova IFE system, which delivers groundbreaking technology including Mobile-first connectivity and cinema-quality visuals, wireless Bluetooth® listening and USB-C charging.
Typical hospitality on board
Riyadh Air guests will also enjoy restorative Saudi-made Kayanee products, with tailor-made Disney amenity sets for younger travelers, the best in-flight dining experience, luxurious John Horsfall bedding and a tailor-made wellness journey that touches all five senses to ensure a peaceful flight. Guests traveling in Business Elite and Business receive exclusive Kayanee loungewear, while Premium Economy guests are treated to a Kayanee loungewear top, ensuring every guest feels refreshed and comfortable.
Atmosphere: for a generation on the move
Guests can unlock exclusive benefits by joining Riyadh Air’s loyalty program, Atmosphere. The name Atmosphere is derived from the Arabic word for ‘Ambassador’ and the English word ‘atmosphere’, which embodies the generous spirit of Saudi Arabia while fostering a global community. It offers a Best Offer Guarantee, including a range of unique benefits such as a ‘no points expiration policy’, the ability for members to share tier points with friends and family, and free onboard Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity.
The program stands out for its blend of community engagement with gamified experiences, with challenges and leaderboards, and is designed as a comprehensive digital lifestyle ecosystem that delivers value to a new generation of travelers, both in the air and on the ground, through exclusive partnerships and events. Early Atmosphere members join an elite club of ‘The Founders’, who will receive priority bookings on new routes, among other benefits.
