Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, Riyadh Air, is set to commence operations in India with daily flights between Mumbai and Riyadh starting August 4, 2026. The announcement marks a significant expansion of air connectivity between the two countries, enhancing travel options for passengers and strengthening bilateral trade and tourism links.
Daily Flights to Boost Connectivity
Riyadh Air will operate a daily service connecting Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The airline, which is wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), aims to position Riyadh as a global aviation hub and support the kingdom's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. The Mumbai route is among the first international destinations for the carrier, which plans to expand its network to over 100 destinations by 2030.
According to industry sources, the decision to launch daily flights from Mumbai reflects the high demand for travel between India and Saudi Arabia. India is one of the largest source markets for passengers to Saudi Arabia, driven by business, tourism, and the large Indian expatriate community in the kingdom.
Impact on Travel and Trade
The new service is expected to significantly reduce travel time and increase convenience for passengers. Currently, several airlines operate flights between Indian cities and Riyadh, but the daily frequency from Mumbai provides more flexibility for travelers. The route will also facilitate cargo movement, supporting bilateral trade which exceeded $50 billion in 2025.
Riyadh Air's entry into the Indian market is part of a broader strategy to capture a share of the growing aviation sector in the region. India's domestic and international air traffic has been recovering strongly post-pandemic, with the country projected to become the third-largest aviation market by 2027.
Strategic Partnership and Future Plans
Riyadh Air has already signed codeshare agreements with several international carriers to expand its reach. The airline is expected to announce additional Indian destinations in the coming months, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, as part of its network expansion. The carrier will operate a modern fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A321neo aircraft, configured for both economy and business class.
"We are thrilled to launch our daily flights to Mumbai, a vibrant city that serves as a gateway to India," said a Riyadh Air spokesperson. "This route is a testament to our commitment to connecting Saudi Arabia with key global markets and providing world-class service to our guests." The airline has also emphasized its focus on digital innovation, offering seamless booking and in-flight entertainment experiences.
The launch of Riyadh Air's Mumbai-Riyadh flights is expected to create new opportunities for tourism, with Saudi Arabia aiming to attract 150 million annual visits by 2030. The kingdom has eased visa regulations for Indian nationals, including the introduction of e-visas and visa-on-arrival options, making travel more accessible.
Industry analysts believe that the increased competition on the India-Saudi Arabia route will benefit consumers through competitive pricing and improved services. Existing carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and Saudi Arabian Airlines, are likely to respond with enhanced offerings.
