LONDON- Riyadh Air (RX), Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, marked a major milestone with its first passenger flight to London Heathrow (LHR) on October 26, 2025.

Flight RX401 departed Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH), the largest airport in the World, at 3:26 am local time and landed at London Heathrow (LHR) six hours and forty-eight minutes later, completing the airline’s long-anticipated debut service.

Riyadh Air Inaugurates Flights to London

The inaugural flight carried Riyadh Air and Public Investment Fund (PIF) staff, partners, and invited guests. This limited-access policy will continue for the next few flights as part of the airline’s phased operational rollout.

Riyadh Air plans to operate daily services between Riyadh (RUH) and London (LHR) as part of its broader network expansion.

Its strategy aims to link Saudi Arabia to 100 destinations worldwide within five years, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 objective to strengthen global connectivity. The next scheduled route is expected to connect Riyadh with Dubai (DXB).

The Riyadh–London service is currently operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration HZ-RXX) leased from Oman Air. The aircraft has been in use since early 2025 for crew training and certification.

Riyadh Air has placed significant orders with both Boeing and Airbus to support its rapid growth: 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners (39 firm and 33 options), 60 Airbus A321neo, and up to 50 Airbus A350 aircraft.

The airline’s first newly built aircraft are expected to arrive before the end of 2025, marking the true beginning of Riyadh Air’s independent fleet operations. Riyadh Air secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in April 2025.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said,

This isn’t just a launch; it’s a tangible realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world, a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. Our commitment to begin operations in 2025 is being fulfilled. This rigorous flight program on Jamila allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and world-class experience. This carefully sequenced approach is our pathway to perfect, and we are now incredibly close to full operations with further destinations to be announced in the coming weeks as our new aircraft are delivered.”

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air’s Loyalty Program

Riyadh Air also unveiled Sfeer, its innovative loyalty program designed to redefine member engagement and benefits. Meaning “Ambassador” in Arabic, Sfeer reflects Saudi Arabia’s welcoming spirit and focus on community.

Sfeer’s standout feature is its shared points system, allowing members to transfer level points within their community—friends and family can use these shared points to elevate membership tiers collectively. Early registrants, known as The Founders, will gain priority access to future bookings and exclusive experiences.

Members can expect benefits such as complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, event invitations, and partner rewards. Once fully activated in 2026, Sfeer will include gamified challenges, leaderboards, and a “no points expiry” policy—ensuring all rewards remain usable and meaningful.

As CEO Tony Douglas explained, “With Sfeer, we’re creating much more than just a loyalty program; we’re building a dynamic, digitally immersive lifestyle ecosystem. Our vision is to truly change the game, offering unparalleled benefits and fostering a unique sense of community among our members.”

London Travel Guide

London, the capital of England, welcomes millions of travelers every year through Heathrow Airport (LHR). It’s a city where royal heritage meets modern culture, offering everything from historical landmarks to global cuisine.

London’s story dates back to Roman times, with the River Thames flowing through its heart. Today, the city blends centuries-old charm with contemporary vibrancy. From royal palaces to modern skyscrapers, every corner reflects a part of its layered identity.

Visitors can explore iconic sites like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, or take in panoramic city views from the London Eye.

For art and history lovers, The British Museum and Windsor Castle reveal priceless artefacts and architectural grandeur. Whether it’s a stroll through Tower Bridge, a moment in Trafalgar Square, or people-watching at Piccadilly Circus, London delivers an experience that feels timeless yet always new.

Getting There and Around

By Air:
London is served by five major airports—Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), and London City Airport (LCY). Heathrow remains the main international gateway. IndiGo (6E) operates connections from India to London and several European destinations via Istanbul.

Local Transport:
The London Underground—famously called the Tube—is the city’s fastest way to get around. Complement it with the classic red double-decker buses or black cabs for a quintessential London experience. Contactless cards and Oyster passes make commuting simple and budget-friendly.

Must-Visit Attractions

Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch since 1837.
Exploration time: 1–2 hours

London Eye: A 135-meter-high observation wheel offering panoramic city views.
Exploration time: 1 hour

Windsor Castle: The world’s oldest and largest occupied castle.
Exploration time: 1–2 hours

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey: Timeless symbols of London’s political and religious legacy.
Exploration time: 1–2 hours

Tower Bridge and The British Museum: A mix of engineering brilliance and historical treasures.
Exploration time: 2–4 hours

Where to Eat

London’s dining scene is as diverse as its population—ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to century-old food markets.

Borough Market: London’s oldest food market, known for street food and gourmet ingredients. Try the fresh bread, Spanish paella, and handmade chocolates.

Magic Falafel: Located in Camden, it serves some of the city’s best falafel wraps and tagines.

Amrutha Lounge: A vegan-friendly Indian restaurant known for creative dishes like masala dosa and mango lassi.

Prado: Classic British fish and chips done perfectly crisp.

The Ledbury: A two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Brett Graham, offering refined British cuisine with signature dishes like Herdwick lamb and flame-grilled mackerel.

Where to Stay

London offers accommodations for every traveler—from budget hostels to ultra-luxury stays.

• Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage – Hostel: Budget-friendly and centrally located.
• The Welbeck Hotel by IHG: Comfortable mid-range stay near key attractions.
• The Montague on the Gardens: A boutique experience with classic charm.
• Corinthia London: A 5-star stay with unmatched service and amenities.
• Cheval Knightsbridge: Serviced apartments ideal for long stays.

Shopping in London

Shopping here is more than retail therapy—it’s a cultural experience.

• Regent Street & Jermyn Street: Mix of international brands and bespoke men’s fashion.
• Oxford Street: Over 300 shops including Selfridges and John Lewis.
• Bond Street & Mayfair: Home to luxury brands like Burberry and Tiffany & Co.
• Westfield Stratford City: Europe’s largest shopping mall.
• Covent Garden: Perfect for unique gifts and artisanal finds.
• Knightsbridge: Iconic stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Festivals Worth Experiencing

London’s festivals showcase its multicultural pulse and community spirit.

• Notting Hill Carnival: Europe’s biggest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture.
• Chinese New Year: Chinatown comes alive with parades, dragon dances, and lanterns.
• Glastonbury Festival: A short trip from London, known for legendary music performances.
• Christmas: The city transforms into a festive wonderland with lights, markets, and skating rinks.

Other Experiences

Explore Royal Parks like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, or tour the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. Cycle tours and Hop-on Hop-off bus tours offer easy ways to see the city at your own pace.

Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Languages: English is the most common, followed by Bengali, Polish, Gujarati, and Urdu.

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