Meet the new airline now flying from Manchester Airport

Riyadh Air launched scheduled flights from Manchester to Riyadh on 17 September, following the debut of its full-service commercial passenger operations from London Heathrow.

Operating daily from London Heathrow and three times weekly from Manchester under its RX carrier code, the expansion represents a significant milestone for Riyadh Air in the UK. The airline has been growing its network since launching commercial flight operations in June, which included its official London Heathrow launch. The carrier is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, with former Etihad chief Tony Douglas at the helm as CEO.

Douglas said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be launching our inaugural flight to Manchester, our second destination in the UK and 14th worldwide. Manchester is a key gateway from where our guests can fly to cities in the Middle East and Asia in addition to being a popular cultural destination for visitors from across our growing network. We look forward to welcoming guests to fly on our modern, premium aircraft and experience genuine Saudi hospitality, known locally as Hafawa.”

Riyadh Air

The new Manchester route has been designed to serve the strong cultural, educational and economic ties between northern England and Saudi Arabia, including a significant Saudi student population in the region. 

The flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays under flight number RX 418. Departing from Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 at 8.40am, travellers arrive at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 5.20pm, with a flight time of six hours and 40 minutes.

Seamless global connections

Riyadh Air

As well as taking passengers to Riyadh – the vibrant capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia – the two UK routes offer seamless onward connections. 

Riyadh can be used as a connecting hub for Gulf and Asia Pacific itineraries, with connections available to 12 destinations. These include Dubai, Jeddah, Manila, Bangkok, Lahore, Cairo, Dhaka and Islamabad, meaning the network can cater to the needs of families, luxury travellers, solo explorers, and corporate clients alike.

Cabin comfort

Riyadh Air

Once onboard, clients can expect a warm welcome on the airline’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with interiors featuring a stylish indigo, lavender, and mocha-gold aesthetic.

Clients can choose from Economy, Premium Economy, Business and Business Elite classes. Regardless of their cabin, all customers enjoy free WiFi, Bluetooth audio, USB-C charging and advanced 4K OLED seatback entertainment screens, with wool-upholstered seats. 

Onboard entertainment is delivered via Panasonic Avionics' Astrova system, offering more than 500 films, 600 TV series and 1,000 audio options from partners including Shahid, Disney+, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Dining, bedding and amenity products reflect a Saudi-led hospitality approach through the airline's Kayanee brand.

The Business Class cabin offers travellers a quieter, more private environment, with fully enclosed suites featuring sliding doors, a plush, flat-bed seat, and Devialet spatial audio technology embedded in the headrest. Arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, each suite also features the airline’s signature "canopy twist" ceiling architecture, inspired by traditional Bedouin tents. Seats feature a 22-inch screen, direct aisle access, and guests are offered the airline’s sleep ritual, which includes a special chamomile tea and lavender-scented pulse oils.

The front row of the Business Class cabin is home to four Business Elite seats, and the central pair can be combined to form a fully flat double bed. These luxurious seats also boast impressive 32-inch screens.

Riyadh Air

The Riyadh Air Premium Economy cabin offers reclining seats with expandable leg rests in a 2-3-2 layout. Sleek headrest wings offer extra comfort and create a more private space, with a personal light set into the headrest, and travellers benefit from smart storage and an expandable side table.

The Economy cabin features a 3-3-3 configuration with generously padded seats and six-way adjustable headrests.

The airline has also created special amenity kits for children, featuring Disney’s Mickey & Friends characters, with several bespoke designs for different age group. Even mealtimes onboard receive a touch of Disney, as each child’s meal service includes a colourful tray liner featuring Disney characters.

Guest-centric travel 

Throughout all cabins, Riyadh Air ensures travellers benefit from advanced technology blended with warm Saudi hospitality. Each touchpoint has been carefully designed, from intuitive digital experiences to attentive service onboard, ensuring guests feel valued at every stage of their journey.