Riyadh Air introduces new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on the Riyadh-London route | News
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today announced the launch of full public sales for flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR). This important route, with the new aircraft launching on July 1, 2026, reinforces the airline’s mission to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to major global and regional hubs and deliver a world-class travel and logistics experience.
Ticket purchases can be made from today (May 19, 2026) via the Riyadh Air app, the Riyadh Air website at riyadhair.com, or via preferred travel providers and platforms. Guests are also invited to become ‘Founding Members’ of the airline’s loyalty programme, Atmosphere, ensuring they get the best offer guarantee and free Wi-Fi, while earning rewards from their very first flight.
Riyadh Air has been operating daily flights to London Terminal 4 since October 26, 2025, using the airline’s “Jamila” technical spare part as part of its Pathway to Perfect operational readiness program, during which tickets are available to book. Jamila flights can be booked through Riyadh Air’s approved travel partners through June 30, 2026.
From today, sales on the London-Riyadh service will be fully open to the public from 1 July 2026 and will take place exclusively on the airline’s new, state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring unparalleled cabin interiors and experiences.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “Today marks a truly exciting milestone for Riyadh Air as we introduce our new aircraft and signature premium experience on our established route to London. It demonstrates our deep commitment to delivering a truly world-class journey for our guests, a journey that combines exceptional comfort, cutting-edge technology and our signature Saudi ‘Hafawa’ hospitality from the moment they step aboard.”
Douglas added: “Connecting Saudi Arabia directly to Britain and beyond through our growing network of global destinations, including Jeddah, Cairo and Dubai, is at the heart of what we are building at Riyadh Air and the Kingdom’s ambitions under Vision 2030. We look forward to welcoming our guests on board to experience the future of air travel.
Daily flights to London Heathrow (LHR) on RX401: (all times local)
Departure RUH at 02:35
Arrival LHR at 07:30
Daily flights to Riyadh (RUH) with RX402: (all times local)
Departure LHR at 09:35
Arrival RUH at 6:05 PM
The Riyadh-London route is a cornerstone of the airline’s UK expansion, connecting two G20 capitals. This service strengthens an important economic corridor, further facilitating investment and trade between the Kingdom and London’s established status as a global financial centre. The route also meets growing demand for tourism in both directions, promoting cultural exchange and providing essential connectivity for travelers wanting to explore the rich heritage and modern attractions of both cities.
The service also positions Riyadh as a major transport hub, providing convenient onward connections for passengers traveling from London to soon-to-be-announced global destinations.
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, cinema-quality visuals, Bluetooth® wireless 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 planning to travel on our London Heathrow route can unlock exclusive benefits by joining Riyadh Air’s loyalty programme, 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 expiry points’ policy, the ability for members to share level 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.
