Riyadh Air Expands Routes to the World’s Busiest International Airports

LONDON- Riyadh Air (RX), the newly established national airline of Saudi Arabia, has revealed two significant developments as it gears up for its launch in 2025. Starting October 26, 2025, the airline will initiate daily operational readiness flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

In addition to the operational flights, Riyadh Air has introduced Sfeer, a unique loyalty program designed to foster community engagement, gamification, and provide exclusive perks for its early members.

Riyadh Air Plans London, Dubai Flights

On October 26, Riyadh Air (RX) will launch daily flights connecting Riyadh with London Heathrow (LHR) utilizing its Boeing 787-9 test aircraft named Jamila.

The flights, designated RX401 and RX402, fall within the airline’s “Pathway to Perfect” program—a comprehensive testing initiative to ensure a seamless customer experience prior to the airline’s official launch.

Here’s the flight schedule:

• The flight from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) to London will depart at 03:15, arriving at 07:30 local time.
• The flight back to Riyadh will depart London at 09:30 and land at 19:15.

Initially, these flights will cater to select guests and employees, allowing Riyadh Air to refine operational processes and enhance the customer experience before opening to the general public.

Additionally, Riyadh Air has secured a permanent landing slot at Heathrow, a testament to its international aspirations and alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to improve tourism and connectivity.

After London, Dubai (DXB) will be included in the testing phase, with the anticipation of announcing further routes in the winter of 2025 and summer of 2026.

CEO Tony Douglas highlighted that this phase embodies the airline’s vision to globally connect Saudi Arabia. The efforts with Jamila focus on refining operational elements to ensure Riyadh Air exceeds expectations of a world-class airline.

Sfeer: A New Kind of Airline Loyalty

Sfeer, or “Ambassador” in Arabic, serves as Riyadh Air’s loyalty platform, reflecting the essence of community and generosity found in Saudi culture.

Rather than being a typical frequent flyer program, Sfeer encourages digital interactivity and social sharing, creating a unique “lifestyle ecosystem” for its members.

Members have the ability to share loyalty points with friends and family, promoting collaboration and collective growth. Early sign-ups, known as Founders, enjoy exclusive benefits like priority bookings, free Wi-Fi, event invitations, and offers from various partners.

The program also introduces gamification through challenges, leaderboards, and rewards, and notably, points in Sfeer will never expire—reinforcing the airline’s commitment to making loyalty truly rewarding.

By 2026, Sfeer aims to connect members with a plethora of cultural and travel experiences, merging aviation with lifestyle engagement.

Riyadh Air Debuts Hafawa Lounge

Riyadh Air (RX) has launched its first premium lounge, the “Hafawa Lounge,” located at King Khalid International Airport. This facility, spanning 2,000 square meters, is a significant part of the airline’s vision for enhancing the travel experience.

Situated between Terminals 1 and 2, the Hafawa Lounge effortlessly blends Saudi hospitality with contemporary design, providing a comfortable oasis for travelers.

Exclusively for Riyadh Air’s Business Elite and Business Class passengers, the lounge features a range of curated spaces that cater to various guest preferences.

This launch represents a crucial achievement for Riyadh Air as it enhances the premium travel experience for its customers.

Guests can find tranquil rest areas, lively social zones, and family-friendly spaces, all designed for a seamless transition from airport to flight.

Designed by the award-winning firm Yabu Pushelberg, the interior utilizes natural materials like limestone and oak wood, contributing to a warm ambiance. The design draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s beautiful desert landscapes, representing the country’s growing impact on global aviation.

Elevated Dining and Digital Experiences

Visitors to the Hafawa Lounge will have a choice of dining options, from fresh pastries and coffee at the Café to buffet meals in the Social Dining area.

Executive Dining provides à la carte options and private dining with views of a peaceful garden, complemented by a Beverage Corner offering premium non-alcoholic drinks.

Riyadh Air enhances hospitality by incorporating advanced technology throughout the lounge.

The Immersive Room presents interactive digital experiences, and guests also benefit from inclusive access and personalized engagement features, aligning with the airline’s goal of mixing innovative technology with Saudi hospitality.

Inspired by Saudi Hospitality and Heritage

The term “Hafawa” translates to warmth and hospitality—core values in Saudi culture. This lounge is designed to foster an environment for relaxation, dining, work, and socializing.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with Saudi coffee and premium dates, honoring a cherished cultural tradition.

The combination of rich aromas, touchable textures, and natural materials offers an experience that echoes Saudi Arabia’s heritage while embracing modernity.

Building Toward 2025 and Beyond

The initiation of operational flights and the launch of Sfeer signify important strides toward Riyadh Air’s full commercial operations slated for 2025.

The airline’s focus on precision and innovative customer service aligns with Saudi Arabia’s overarching aviation aspirations—to position Riyadh as a pivotal global hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

As more routes and new aircraft are expected to join their fleet soon, Riyadh Air’s advancement signifies the dawn of a new era for Saudi aviation: modern, interconnected, and centered on both performance and passenger experience.