Riyadh Air Launches Direct Flights and Partners with Air Europa

Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of Saudi Arabia, launched its first direct scheduled flight service between Riyadh and Madrid in July 2026. Operating four times weekly using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, the route establishes the only direct air link between the two capitals to support trade, tourism, and cultural ties under Saudi Vision 2030. This expansion follows the airline's seasonal service to Malaga, which began on July 14 and runs through September 8, 2026.

Alongside the flight launch, Riyadh Air signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Spanish carrier Air Europa. Pending regulatory approval, the partnership focuses on interline connectivity, potential codeshare agreements, cargo cooperation, loyalty program reciprocity, and digital innovation. The agreement aims to leverage Air Europa's extensive network across Spain, Southern Europe, and Latin America, using Madrid-Barajas as the primary transit hub.

The airline also maintains a sponsorship and stadium naming partnership with the Spanish football club Atlético Madrid to further its presence in the region.