Riyadh Air will launch 3x-weekly nonstop service between Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) on July 17, 2026. The route is operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and is described by the airline and by independent trade sources as the only direct air connection between the two capital cities. FlightGlobal confirmed the July 17 start date and FTN News independently verified the frequency and routing.
Madrid is the third European destination in Riyadh Air's initial network, following London Heathrow (launched June 10) and Málaga (launched July 14). The airline has highlighted the route's strategic significance for both business and tourism, as well as its cultural dimension: Riyadh Air is the official airline partner of Atlético de Madrid, and the club's home ground has been rebranded as the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The Saudi Press Agency noted that the Madrid route "represents a further strengthening of cultural and economic ties between Spain and Saudi Arabia, while serving as an important route for business and tourism."
Riyadh Air launched its first commercial passenger service to London Heathrow on June 10, 2026, three weeks ahead of its originally planned July 1 date, following accelerated deliveries of its Boeing 787-9 fleet. By the time Madrid launches, the carrier will operate a fleet of six Dreamliners across an eight-destination network spanning Europe, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia — part of its stated ambition to reach 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
Sources
- FlightGlobal – Riyadh Air Adds Kuala Lumpur and Malaga Flights
- Saudi Press Agency (Official) – Riyadh Air Adds Málaga and Kuala Lumpur
- FTN News – Riyadh Air Adds Kuala Lumpur, Malaga and Dhaka Routes
- AeroTime – Riyadh Air Opens Flight Bookings to Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka and Malaga
Sources & references (4)
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