Saudi Arabian start-up Riyadh Air has announced Manchester as its second UK destination. The new thrice-weekly service takes off on July 23 and will be operated by one of the carrier’s recently delivered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Flights from Riyadh/King Khalid International will operate as RX0417, departing the Saudi capital at 0130hrs and arriving in Manchester at 0640hrs. The return service, RX0418, will leave Manchester at 0840hrs, landing back in Riyadh at 1720hrs. The airline said the schedule has been designed to support both point-to-point demand and onward connections from Riyadh to destinations including Jeddah, Dubai and Cairo, as well as further cities across Asia that are expected to be announced as the network develops.
Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air’s CEO, described Manchester as “another milestone” in the carrier’s plan to connect Riyadh with key global markets. He said the route had been “carefully selected” to serve demand between northern England and the Middle East, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 ambitions.
The news comes as Riyadh Air welcomed its first two custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The aircraft, HZ-RXAA (c/n 69471) and HX-RXAB (c/n 69472), touched down in Riyadh on June 5, after delivery flights from Charleston, South Carolina, and Everett, Washington, respectively.
Speaking of their arrival, Douglas said: “To see our very first custom-built 787 Dreamliner aeroplanes touch down in Riyadh is a historic moment for us, and a momentous day for Saudi aviation. I couldn’t be more excited or more confident about the future and the legacy we are creating. Not only are we building an airline, we are opening a new gateway to the world from the heart of the Kingdom. We are absolutely ready and excited to welcome the world to Riyadh.”
The arrival of the Boeing Dreamliners has also allowed the airline to bring forward the launch of its new London/Heathrow service. The new aircraft had originally been due to enter service on the route from July 1, but flights were rescheduled to begin on June 10, 2026, following the accelerated aircraft deliveries. The 787-9s feature a four-class cabin layout, comprising Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
Riyadh Air is positioning the aircraft as central to its premium product offering, with Bluetooth audio at every seat, Panasonic Astrova in-flight entertainment, complimentary Wi-Fi for Sfeer loyalty members and bespoke onboard hospitality products.
