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India's one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, and almost all international carriers want in: especially when it comes to India’s financial capital, Mumbai.
The newest airline soon to be spotted over the Mumbai skies is Saudi Arabia’s youngest airline, Riyadh Air. On July 6, 2026, Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, announced plans to foray into the Indian market. The first destination on their roster is... Mumbai.
Riyadh Air's India debut
Riyadh Air plans to connect with over 100 global destinations by 2030. Mumbai is its 10th destination.
Starting August 4, 2026, a direct flight between Mumbai and Riyadh is expected to begin operations. The airline will deploy a 787-9 Dreamliner on the route with a four-class configuration: business elite, business, premium economy and economy.
The first flight is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai at 8.35pm IST after departing from Riyadh at 2.05pm AST. From Mumbai, it will take off at 10.05pm IST and will reach Riyadh at 11.50pm AST.
What’s interesting is that the same flight will also provide onward connectivity to London, Madrid, Jeddah, and Cairo.
The bookings for the new route are open, and there are special deals to snag for the inaugural flight.
What's the much-talked-about business elite on Riyadh Air?
Well, Riyadh Air’s headline product is the business elite class, which is its ultra-premium cabin class. A luxury first-class equivalent, if you may. The Dreamliner that's set to ply on the Mumbai-Riyadh route will have the exclusive suites that offer ample space, ultimate comfort and loads of privacy. They come with 32-inch 4K screens, centre seats that convert to a double bed, luxurious amenities kit, loungewear and more. Basically, you are made to feel like royalty in the air. That’s not to say that their other classes are not comfortable. They are, but whatever we have seen of the business elite class on social media warrants a fly-sesh immediately.
When did Riyadh Air start operations?
Riyadh Air launched in 2023 and is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s youngest airline. The King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) is its operational hub. It presently flies to London, Manchester, Madrid, Málaga, Cairo, Dubai, and Jeddah. And, from August it will also fly to Mumbai.