Manchester Airport reached a significant aviation milestone this morning as it welcomed the inaugural flight from Riyadh Air, marking the launch of a new direct link to the Saudi capital. The arrival of the Saudi carrier at the North’s primary aviation hub cements Manchester as just the fourth European destination for the ambitious, digital-first airline.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air is rapidly expanding its footprint, having only commenced operations on June 10th. With a long-term goal of serving 100 destinations across six continents by 2030, the airline’s decision to prioritise Manchester reflects both the region’s economic significance and the growing demand for long-haul travel from the North of England.
The new service is expected to be a major catalyst for bilateral relations. Beyond providing direct access to Riyadh, the route opens up seamless onward connections to an expanding network across Africa and Asia. Conversely, the arrival of the carrier is tipped to boost inbound tourism and trade in the North. The region has long-standing ties with Saudi Arabia, driven by high numbers of Saudi students at Northern universities, as well as a steady stream of business and leisure travellers drawn by the area’s world-famous football clubs.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, hailed the move as a “big moment” for the gateway. “Having a new route to a major global city like Riyadh shows the appeal of Manchester as a destination, but also indicates the strength of demand for long-haul travel from the North,” Woodroofe said. He credited the airport’s ability to facilitate such growth to the ongoing £1.5bn transformation of Terminal 2, which has significantly increased the hub’s operational capacity.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, highlighted the strategic importance of the city, noting that Manchester is now the airline’s 14th destination worldwide. “Manchester is a key gateway from where our guests can fly to cities in the Middle East and Asia,” Douglas remarked. He added that the airline is committed to offering a premium experience, showcasing “genuine Saudi hospitality,” known locally as Hafawa.
The service will operate three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—utilising a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The state-of-the-art jet features 290 seats across four distinct cabin classes, offering passengers a modern, luxury travel experience.
This new route complements existing links to the Kingdom, joining Saudia’s established service to the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah. As Riyadh Air continues its aggressive global expansion, its presence in Manchester is being viewed as a cornerstone in strengthening the cultural and economic bridge between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. For travellers in the North, the world has just become significantly more accessible.
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