Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has announced the opening of ticket sales for three weekly flights between Manchester and Riyadh – reflecting the city’s status as a major economic and cultural hub with strong existing ties to the UK. This vital route, commencing July 23, strengthens the airline’s mission to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with major global and regional hubs and deliver a world-class travel and logistics experience.
As of July 23, 2026, three flights per week between Manchester (MAN) and Riyadh (RUH) will be
operated by Riyadh Air’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring unparalleled cabin interiors and experiences designed to deliver a world-class travel experience.
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.
As Saudi Arabia’s capital and business centre, Riyadh offers guests from Northern England new
opportunities for business engagement and access to its modern attractions, vibrant entertainment, and burgeoning economic landscape.
The service also positions Riyadh as a key transport hub, offering convenient onward connections for passengers travelling from Manchester to Jeddah, Dubai, Cairo and soon-to-be-announced cities across Asia.
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.”
Flight booking now available from Manchester to Riyadh
Ticket purchases for these routes can now be made through the Riyadh Air App, Riyadh Air website, or preferred travel providers and platforms. Guests are also invited to become ‘Founding Members’ of the airline’s loyalty program, Sfeer, ensuring a Best Offer Guarantee and free WiFi while earning rewards from their very first flight.
Flights to London brought forward
Riyadh Air is also thrilled to announce that due to the accelerated delivery of its aircraft, the airline
is bringing forward the launch of its highly anticipated first flight to London on the brand-new
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Originally scheduled for July 1, flights to London will now commence on
June 10, 2026. Ticket sales for these London flights starting June 10 are officially available immediately.
Before booking, ensure you check airspace restrictions via the Civil Aviation Authority.
