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What to expect from Riyadh Air
Amy Lancelotte
Amy Lancelotte is a Senior Content Writer and editorial contributor at AirAdvisor with over seven years of experience producing research-based articles for international audiences. Her work focuses on travel, aviation, and air passenger rights, with an emphasis on factual accuracy, verified data, and clear, reader-first explanations.
Amy specialises in long-form guides, regulatory explainers, and industry-focused articles that help travellers understand complex topics such as flight disruptions, passenger compensation rules, and international travel requirements. She is experienced in translating regulatory information into practical, accessible content for everyday readers.
Amy Lancelotte
Amy Lancelotte is a Senior Content Writer and editorial contributor at AirAdvisor with over seven years of experience producing research-based articles for international audiences. Her work focuses on travel, aviation, and air passenger rights, with an emphasis on factual accuracy, verified data, and clear, reader-first explanations.
Amy specialises in long-form guides, regulatory explainers, and industry-focused articles that help travellers understand complex topics such as flight disruptions, passenger compensation rules, and international travel requirements. She is experienced in translating regulatory information into practical, accessible content for everyday readers.
Amy Lancelotte
Amy Lancelotte is a Senior Content Writer and editorial contributor at AirAdvisor with over seven years of experience producing research-based articles for international audiences. Her work focuses on travel, aviation, and air passenger rights, with an emphasis on factual accuracy, verified data, and clear, reader-first explanations.
Amy specialises in long-form guides, regulatory explainers, and industry-focused articles that help travellers understand complex topics such as flight disruptions, passenger compensation rules, and international travel requirements. She is experienced in translating regulatory information into practical, accessible content for everyday readers.
Amy Lancelotte
Amy Lancelotte is a Senior Content Writer and editorial contributor at AirAdvisor with over seven years of experience producing research-based articles for international audiences. Her work focuses on travel, aviation, and air passenger rights, with an emphasis on factual accuracy, verified data, and clear, reader-first explanations.
Amy specialises in long-form guides, regulatory explainers, and industry-focused articles that help travellers understand complex topics such as flight disruptions, passenger compensation rules, and international travel requirements. She is experienced in translating regulatory information into practical, accessible content for everyday readers.
Anton Radchenko
Licensed LawyerAnton Radchenko, Esq. is a consumer rights advocate and licensed attorney admitted to practice in the state of New York, where he has been in good standing since his admission in 2012 to the Second Division of the New York Supreme Court. He brings more than 12 years of professional experience in international aviation law to his role as Founder and CEO of AirAdvisor.
Before founding AirAdvisor, Anton held senior legal leadership positions across Europe and the Middle East. His career includes roles with top-tier law firm Asters LLP in Europe, as well as serving as Legal Advisor, General Counsel, and later Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs for a multinational group of aviation and aerospace companies headquartered in Dubai. In these roles, he was responsible for complex cross-border legal strategy, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance in highly regulated aviation environments.
Anton Radchenko
Licensed LawyerAnton Radchenko, Esq. is a consumer rights advocate and licensed attorney admitted to practice in the state of New York, where he has been in good standing since his admission in 2012 to the Second Division of the New York Supreme Court. He brings more than 12 years of professional experience in international aviation law to his role as Founder and CEO of AirAdvisor.
Before founding AirAdvisor, Anton held senior legal leadership positions across Europe and the Middle East. His career includes roles with top-tier law firm Asters LLP in Europe, as well as serving as Legal Advisor, General Counsel, and later Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs for a multinational group of aviation and aerospace companies headquartered in Dubai. In these roles, he was responsible for complex cross-border legal strategy, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance in highly regulated aviation environments.
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What passengers can expect from Riyadh Air
Early Riyadh Air reviews rate Business Class highly, but Economy legroom and Wi-Fi draw complaints.
As Saudi Arabia’s newest full-service airline, Riyadh Air operates an all-Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet and currently flies to and from London Heathrow and Manchester in the UK.
Alongside the passenger ratings above, we'll take a closer look at what to expect from Riyadh Air's cabins, refreshments, connectivity, and safety standards.
And since Riyadh Air is new, if you’ve flown with them, why not share your Riyadh Air review in the section above to help other passengers with their flying decisions?
Key takeaways
- As the Saudi full-service airline owned by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air’s first scheduled passenger service between Riyadh and London Heathrow was on 10 June 2026.
- Currently, Riyadh Air operates a daily flight between Riyadh and London Heathrow and flies three times per week between Riyadh and Manchester.
- The Riyadh Air fleet is made up of 787-9 Dreamliners that have four cabins: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.
- Wi-Fi is free for members of Sfeer, the airline's free loyalty programme.
- Riyadh Air is a dry airline: no alcohol is served on board.
Who is Riyadh Air?
Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia's second national airline after Saudia. Announced in March 2023, the airline is based in Riyadh and owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.
Riyadh Air began flying staff and select passengers to London Heathrow on 26 October 2025, before launching scheduled passenger services to the public on 10 June 2026.
Riyadh Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners make up the currently small fleet. However, the airline has ordered additional Boeing 787s, Airbus A321neo aircraft, and larger Airbus A350-1000 jets to support its expansion to 182 aircraft in total.
Riyadh Air aims to connect more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
Where does Riyadh Air fly from the UK?
Since 10 June 2026, Riyadh Air has been offering a daily flight from London Heathrow to Riyadh, with three weekly flights from Manchester to Riyadh since September 2026.
Destinations beyond the UK include:
- Milan
- Madrid
- Malaga
- Dubai
- Mumbai
- Cairo
- Manila
If you experience a 3-hour+ delay going to Saudi Arabia from the UK, Italy, or Spain, you might be eligible for up to £520 (€600) in flight delay compensation. Check what you’re entitled to now.
Riyadh Air cabins: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners accommodate 290 passengers across four cabins that range from private Riyadh Air Business Elite suites to standard Economy seats.
Cabin | Seats | Layout | What you get |
Business Elite | 4 | 1-2-1 | Front-row suites with sliding doors; the two centre suites can be joined into a double bed |
Business | 24 | 1-2-1 | Safran Unity suites with privacy doors and a 78-inch fully flat bed; every seat has aisle access |
Premium Economy | 39 | 2-3-2 | Recaro seats, 38-inch pitch, 19.2 inches wide, 15.6-inch screen |
Economy | 223 | 3-3-3 | 31-inch pitch, 17.2 inches wide |
What do passengers say about Riyadh Air seats?
The early Riyadh Air reviews were particularly favourable for Business Class. Passengers praised the comfortable John Horsfall bedding, elegant cabin design, and thoughtful service touches.
Riyadh Air Business Class also attracted a few negative review comments related to air vent placement and limited storage.
Feedback on the Riyadh Air Premium Economy and Economy experience was more mixed. Some passengers felt:
- The seats lacked the legroom and personal space needed on longer flights.
- The 31-inch Riyadh Air Economy Class seat pitch felt standard for long-haul: fine, but nothing special.
Does your Riyadh Air experience differ from these results? Rate your seat in your Riyadh Air review and help the next passenger choose.
Riyadh Air Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment
The Wi-Fi on Riyadh Air is powered by Viasat and is free as long as you’re a Sfeer loyalty programme member. Joining is also free, and if you forget to do it ahead of time, you can even sign up during the flight. Here’s how to stay entertained and connected:
- Wi-Fi is free if you join Sfeer (also free), but reviewers report dropouts.
- Business Class suites feature large 32-inch entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity for your own wireless headphones.
- Premium Economy passengers get 15.6-inch screens.
- Riyadh Air Business Class seats also have USB-C and USB-A charging ports, plus a UK-style power socket for laptops and other devices.
Food and drink: does Riyadh Air serve alcohol?
In accordance with Saudi Arabian law, Riyadh Air does not serve alcohol on board or in its Hafawa lounge. But the selection of non-alcoholic beverages is broad, with alcohol-free wines and beers and mocktails available in the Hafawa lounge.
In the reviews so far, passengers are positive about the Riyadh Air food scene, specifically the premium dining and service touches, including hot towels and metal cutlery.
Business Class passengers highlight the availability of amenity kits even on relatively short flights. The products in them have a local touch from Kayanee, a Saudi wellness brand.
Is Riyadh Air safe?
Riyadh Air is certified by Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), which awarded the airline its Air Operator Certificate in April 2025.
This followed an 11-month certification process that included more than 200 hours of test flights to demonstrate compliance with aviation safety standards.
The Riyadh Air fleet of passenger-carrying Boeing 787-9s is all under one year old (aside from the aircraft used for certification, which dates to 2017).
As Riyadh Air only began scheduled passenger services in June 2026, the airline’s track record is limited. With more experience will come a better indication of its long-term performance.
With a brand-new airline, recent reviews are the best guide you have. Read the newest ones first, and if something goes wrong on your trip, keep your booking reference, boarding pass, and receipts from day one.
— Anton Radchenko, Aviation Attorney & AirAdvisor CEO
What you’re owed if a Riyadh Air flight is delayed
- Flights from the UK: Under UK261 (retained Regulation 261/2004, Articles 6 and 7), passengers departing London Heathrow or Manchester may claim up to £520 if they arrive at least 3 hours late, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.
- Flights from Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's GACA Passenger Rights Protection Regulations provide compensation of 50 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which is about £50, for arrival delays of three to six hours, or 150 SDRs (about £150) for delays exceeding 6 hours, subject to applicable exceptions.
- Time limits: UK261 claims can generally be brought within 6 years in England and Wales, under the Limitation Act 1980, or 5 years in Scotland (Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973).
- Unresolved complaints: Complain to Riyadh Air first. The airline is not currently listed under a UK-approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme. If your complaint remains unresolved, contact the UK Civil Aviation Authority's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team (PACT).
Is Riyadh Air worth flying? Our verdict
Riyadh Air is worth considering for its modern aircraft, impressive premium cabins, and free Wi-Fi for Sfeer members. However, its limited network, alcohol-free service, and early operational issues may put some passengers off.
Compared with established Gulf carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, Riyadh Air offers a promising alternative but lacks their extensive networks and experience. We have reviews for most major airlines to help you determine the best airline for your next trip.
If you’ve flown with this new carrier, take a few minutes to leave a Riyadh Air review. And if your experience was less than positive, you can always make an official Riyadh Air complaint.
Plus, if your Riyadh Air flight was delayed or cancelled, check what you may be owed.
FAQs
No, the highest level is Riyadh Air’s Business Elite, which is four suites located at the front of every plane.
No. At the time of writing, Riyadh Air isn’t a member of the major airline alliances (oneworld, Star Alliance, or SkyTeam). Instead, it’s working on partnerships with individual airlines to offer more codeshare flights and connections.
Sfeer is free to join and lets members earn points on Riyadh Air flights, and your points don’t expire, though your account may be closed after 36 months of inactivity.
No. Riyadh Air is a full-service airline, closer to Emirates or Qatar Airways than to a budget carrier. What's included (bags, meals, seat choice) varies by cabin, so check your fare before you pay.
