Riyadh Air to begin flights from Manchester Airport

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air is to begin flying three-times weekly between Manchester Airport and the country’s capital.

The new route reflects Greater Manchester’s status as a global economic and cultural hub as well as its strong existing ties to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Flights will begin July 23rd, 2026, with tickets going on sale on 7th June, and be operated by the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Riyadh Air’s new service to Manchester provides a vital connection between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this major UK hub. The route will strengthen already deep economic and cultural ties, serving the large Asian communities in the North of England and fostering relationships built on decades of educational collaboration, including the significant population of Saudi students in the region. This new air corridor meets a growing demand for travel driven by both strong interpersonal links and expanding business opportunities.

The service also positions Riyadh as a key transport hub, offering convenient onward connections for passengers travelling from Manchester to cities across Asia and the Middle East.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, stated,

“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. This route has been carefully selected to serve a key market for connecting the North of England to the Middle East, aligning with our ambition to become a global airline and a significant contributor to Vision 2030. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard to experience our distinctive Saudi hospitality as we connect these two great cities and continue to redefine the future of air travel.”