Airlines Strategy
Riyadh Air Connects Saudi Arabia to All EU Capitals by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air plans EU-wide connectivity by 2030 using advanced fleets, supporting Vision 2030 economic goals and tourism growth.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newly launched national airline, is charting a bold course to reshape global aviation by linking the Kingdom to every European Union capital within five years. This initiative is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a sweeping national strategy aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing its dependency on oil revenues. With operations set to begin in late 2025, Riyadh Air has already made significant strides in fleet acquisition, route planning, and strategic partnerships.
Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the airline is not merely a commercial venture, it is a state-led instrument designed to boost tourism, create jobs, and position Riyadh as a global aviation hub. With an initial fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and future additions including Airbus A350s and A321neos, Riyadh Air plans to serve over 100 destinations by 2030. The focus on European capitals is a calculated move to tap into established travel demand and support Saudi Arabia’s goal of welcoming 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade.
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive plan to transform its economy and society. Aviation plays a crucial role in this vision, with Riyadh Air acting as a catalyst for broader economic development. The Kingdom aims to triple its annual air passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030, and Riyadh Air is expected to play a central role in achieving this target.
Established in March 2023, Riyadh Air operates alongside Saudia, the Kingdom’s existing flag carrier, under a dual-hub strategy. Its base at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is being developed into a major international gateway. The airline is projected to contribute $20 billion to the non-oil GDP and create over 200,000 jobs across aviation, tourism, and related sectors.
CEO Tony Douglas, formerly of Etihad Airways, has positioned Riyadh Air as a future rival to Emirates and Qatar Airways. His leadership emphasizes efficiency, innovation, and cultural authenticity, aligning the airline’s growth with national development goals.
Saudi Arabia’s geographic location offers a natural advantage for connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Riyadh is within a 4–6 hour flight radius of most European capitals, making it a strategic hub for both passenger and cargo traffic. This centrality is being leveraged to optimize flight times and reduce operational costs.
The airline’s phased expansion strategy prioritizes high-demand routes, also known as “thick routes,” to ensure maximum load factors and profitability. By focusing initially on European destinations, Riyadh Air is entering a mature market with well-established demand while building the foundation for future long-haul services to Asia and North America.
Riyadh Air’s entry into Europe is also symbolic of Saudi Arabia’s broader engagement with global markets. It reflects a shift in the Kingdom’s international posture, one that emphasizes connectivity, tourism, and economic openness. “Riyadh Air will be the Kingdom’s answer to Emirates and Qatar Airways, but with a distinct Saudi identity.” — Tony Douglas, CEO
Riyadh Air’s fleet strategy is among the most ambitious in the aviation industry. The airline has placed firm orders for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 60 Airbus A321neos, and 25 Airbus A350-1000s. Additional options exist for 33 more Boeing aircraft and 25 more A350s, ensuring scalability as demand grows.
The first Boeing 787-9 was delivered in early 2025, and the airline plans to receive one aircraft per month throughout 2026. This delivery schedule supports the goal of adding two new destinations per month. The A350-1000s, ordered in June 2025, are intended for ultra-long-haul routes, including potential non-stop services to North America and Australia.
To finance this massive fleet acquisition, Riyadh Air secured a $1.3 billion credit facility in late 2024. The funding, led by Emirates NBD and several Saudi banks, underscores strong financial backing and investor confidence in the airline’s business model.
Riyadh Air is designed as a digital-native airline. Its proprietary technology platform integrates biometric check-in, AI-powered customer service, and real-time sustainability tracking. This infrastructure is intended to provide a seamless passenger experience from booking to arrival.
Cabin design also reflects Saudi cultural elements, with lavender-themed interiors and traditional motifs. The Boeing 787-9s feature a two-class configuration with wider seats and advanced in-flight entertainment systems. These features are aimed at differentiating Riyadh Air from other Gulf carriers.
Operational efficiency is enhanced through a model where international flights are paired with domestic “turns.” For example, a Riyadh-Paris flight may be followed by a Riyadh-Jeddah leg before the aircraft returns to Europe. This model maximizes aircraft utilization while supporting domestic connectivity.
Riyadh Air’s European expansion will occur in three phases. The first phase begins in late 2025 with two initial destinations, likely major hubs such as London and Paris. These routes will operate 4–5 times per week using Boeing 787-9s.
The second phase (2027–2028) will target 15–20 additional capitals, focusing on Western and Southern Europe. The final phase (2029–2030) aims to complete coverage of all remaining EU capitals, including those in Eastern Europe. The goal is to establish a comprehensive network by the end of the decade. To support this expansion, Riyadh Air has signed strategic agreements with carriers like Air France-KLM, Singapore Airlines, and EgyptAir. These partnerships enable codeshare and interline services, allowing the airline to offer broader connectivity even before its own fleet reaches full capacity.
Europe’s aviation market is both lucrative and competitive. According to ACI Europe, international passenger traffic grew by 5.7% in Q1 2025, highlighting strong recovery and demand. However, major airports like Heathrow and Schiphol face slot constraints, posing challenges for new entrants.
Riyadh Air plans to differentiate itself through pricing, service quality, and cultural branding. Initial fares are expected to be 10–15% lower than those of Gulf competitors, with premium cabins offering better seat dimensions at comparable prices. The airline’s cultural focus, emphasizing Saudi hospitality, adds a unique value proposition.
CEO Tony Douglas has stated that Riyadh Air aims to capture 12–15% of Gulf-Europe traffic by 2030. This would translate to approximately 8 million annual passengers, a significant share for a new entrant.
Riyadh Air’s plan to connect Saudi Arabia to every EU capital by 2030 is more than an aviation milestone, it’s a strategic move aligned with national transformation goals. The airline’s phased approach, robust fleet strategy, and strong financial backing position it for success in a complex and competitive market.
As Riyadh Air prepares to launch operations in late 2025, its progress will be closely watched by the global aviation community. If successful, the airline could redefine Gulf aviation dynamics and establish Saudi Arabia as a new epicenter of international air travel.
When will Riyadh Air begin operations? Which aircraft will Riyadh Air use? What is the goal of Riyadh Air’s European expansion? Who owns Riyadh Air? What role does Riyadh Air play in Vision 2030?
Riyadh Air’s Ambitious Plan to Connect Saudi Arabia with Every EU Capital by 2030
Strategic Foundations: Vision 2030 and Aviation Reform
Geopolitical and Geographic Advantages
Fleet and Infrastructure Development
Technology and Passenger Experience
European Network Rollout
Market Entry and Competitive Dynamics
Conclusion
FAQ
Riyadh Air is scheduled to commence commercial operations in late 2025.
The airline will operate Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Airbus A321neos, and Airbus A350-1000s.
Riyadh Air aims to connect Saudi Arabia to every capital city in the European Union by 2030.
Riyadh Air is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.
The airline supports Vision 2030 by boosting tourism, creating jobs, and enhancing global connectivity.
Sources
Photo Credit: Riyadh Air