Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, Riyadh Air, has taken swift steps to establish a presence in the Indian market. CEO Tony Douglas announced that the airline has initiated discussions with Indian aviation authorities, seeking the necessary approvals to expedite its operations in the country.
India: A Strategic Priority for Riyadh Air
Douglas emphasised that India is a “critical market” for Riyadh Air. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ambition to make India its largest source market for tourism by 2030, citing India’s economic scale and tourism potential as key factors driving the airline’s strategic focus.
Potential Collaboration with IndiGo and Air India
Speaking to The Indian Express, Douglas revealed that Riyadh Air is exploring potential strategic partnerships with India’s leading carriers, IndiGo and Air India. While discussions remain in the early stages, he described Riyadh Air’s proposal as a “win-win” opportunity for both sides.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Riyadh Air already has partnerships with major international airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, China Eastern, Air China, and EgyptAir. The airline aims to extend this strong network into the Indian market.
Growth Strategy Backed by Major Fleet Orders
In February, Douglas announced that Riyadh Air had placed significant aircraft orders as part of its growth strategy—72 wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 60 single-aisle Airbus A321neos. These orders underline the airline’s aggressive global expansion plans.
Operations Set to Launch by Year-End
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air is set to commence commercial operations by the end of the year. The airline’s push into India marks a key milestone in its ambitious global growth strategy.
