Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, has announced a brand new route connecting Manchester Airport to Riyadh, with services commencing in July 2026. This marks a significant milestone for the airline as it expands its network to the United Kingdom.
Flight Details and Schedule
Starting July 23, 2026, Riyadh Air will operate three weekly flights between Manchester (MAN) and Riyadh (RUH). The route will be served by the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which feature luxury cabin interiors designed to provide a world-class travel experience.
Tickets for these flights went on sale on Monday, June 8, 2026. Passengers can book through the Riyadh Air App, the official Riyadh Air website, or via preferred travel providers and platforms.
Strategic Importance
Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air, commented: "The launch of our new service to Manchester marks another milestone in our journey to connect Riyadh to the world and the world to Riyadh." He added that the route was carefully selected to serve a key market linking the North of England to the Middle East, aligning with the airline's ambition to become a global carrier and support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
The new service is expected to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two regions. It will cater to large Asian communities in the North of England and foster relationships built on decades of educational collaboration, including a significant population of Saudi students in the area.
Airline's Vision
Riyadh Air aims to redefine the future of air travel by offering distinctive Saudi hospitality. The Manchester route is part of a broader strategy to connect Riyadh to major global hubs, enhancing tourism and business links. The airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to ensure passenger comfort.
This announcement has been welcomed as a boost for Manchester Airport, providing a direct link to a key Middle Eastern destination. The route is expected to facilitate both leisure and business travel, offering new opportunities for passengers in the region.
