Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has begun daily flights between Riyadh and Mumbai (Bombay), marking the carrier’s first destination in India and its 10th route overall as it accelerates a rapid international rollout ahead of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 targets.
The daily service, which launched on August 4, connects King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (RUH) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM) aboard the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners featuring Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The Mumbai to Riyadh flight, RX0698, departs Mumbai at 22:05 local time and arrives in Riyadh at 23:50, while the Riyadh to Mumbai service, RX0697, leaves Riyadh at 14:05 and reaches Mumbai at 20:35.
Economy fares start from SAR585 (US$156) one-way, while Business Class fares start from SAR2,537 (US$676). Bookings opened on July 5 through the airline’s website, app and authorised travel agents.
Tony Douglas, chief executive of Riyadh Air, said the carrier was responding to India’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, offering travellers a premium option and onward connectivity from Mumbai to Riyadh and into Europe. Passengers departing Mumbai can connect through Riyadh to destinations including London, Madrid, Jeddah and Cairo.
The launch caps a fast expansion since the airline’s first full-service flight on June 10, 2026, a maiden service to London Heathrow. Riyadh flights to Jeddah began on June 14, Dubai on June 18 and Cairo on June 25, with Madrid, Manchester, Malaga and Kuala Lumpur following through July. Dhaka is due to launch on August 7, and the carrier has also flagged forthcoming routes to Islamabad, Lahore and Manila. Riyadh Air aims to connect more than 100 destinations by 2030.
Why it matters for the trade
Mumbai gives Riyadh Air an immediate foothold in India’s leading corporate, financial and entertainment hub, a market critical to any Gulf carrier’s connecting-traffic strategy. For agents and DMCs, the sub-midnight Mumbai arrival and afternoon Riyadh departure are timed for corporate and VFR flows, while the four-cabin Dreamliner product positions the airline against established Gulf rivals on premium sell. The onward network through Riyadh to Europe and North Africa opens fresh routing and packaging options for the western India catchment.