- The airline offers the only direct connection between Madrid (MAD) and Riyadh (RUH).
- It operates four weekly flights to Madrid and three to Málaga on board its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
- Members of the Sfeer loyalty programme will benefit from the “Best Price Guarantee”, with exclusive benefits and rewards.
- It offers convenient connections for passengers travelling to Europe and South-East Asia.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, has today announced the opening of ticket sales for flights between Madrid and Riyadh – the only direct connection between the two cities and a key addition to its growing network. This key route, which will commence operations on 17 July 2026 with four weekly flights, reinforces the airline’s mission to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with major global and regional hubs, and to offer a first-class travel and logistics experience.
To meet strong holiday demand in Europe, Riyadh Air is also launching a much-anticipated seasonal service to Málaga, which will operate from 14 July to 8 September 2026. This flight will serve as a natural extension of the service from Riyadh. Málaga has long been a premier summer destination and a major attraction for travellers from the Middle East, thanks to its rich history, the Costa del Sol and a vibrant cultural scene. This expansion underlines Riyadh Air’s commitment to offering highly sought-after leisure routes during peak travel seasons, providing passengers with easy, first-class access to Spain’s most popular coastal destinations.
Tickets go on sale today (30 June 2026) via the Riyadh Air app, the Riyadh Air website or through travel agencies and platforms. Passengers are also invited to become ‘founding members’ of the airline’s loyalty programme, Sfeer, which guarantees them the ‘Best Price Guaranteed’ and free Wi-Fi, as well as allowing them to earn rewards from their very first flight.
Flights connecting Riyadh (RUH) with Madrid (MAD) and Málaga (AGP) will be operated by Riyadh Air’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which offer an unrivalled cabin interior and travel experience.
Riyadh Air’s new service between Madrid and Riyadh establishes the only direct connection between the Spanish and Saudi capitals, strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations. Backed by the airline’s flagship partnership with Atlético de Madrid — whose stadium has recently been renamed the Riyadh Air Metropolitano — this route connects Europe’s gateway with Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing hub as part of Vision 2030. As well as offering Spanish travellers direct access to Riyadh’s thriving business scene and its vibrant, modern attractions, the service positions the Saudi capital as a strategic transit hub, offering seamless connections to the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia.
A superb travel experience
Riyadh Air’s new 787-9 Dreamliners offer first-class comfort and style across all four cabin classes (Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy), featuring ergonomic seats with plush foam padding and high-quality fabrics, fully flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration in Business Elite and Business classes, greater privacy and storage space in Premium Economy, and adjustable headrests in Economy, as well as AC power sockets, USB-C/A charging ports and Bluetooth audio at every seat. The aircraft are fitted with one of the world’s most advanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems (Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova), offering over 500 films, 600 TV series (Shahid, Disney+, HBO Max, Warner Bros.), 1,000 albums and audio playlists, optimised connectivity for mobile devices, cinema-quality visuals and wireless playback. The in-flight experience is complemented by complimentary products from the Saudi brand Kayanee, personalised Disney kits for children, bed linen by John Horsfall, high-quality cuisine and a wellness programme for the five senses, with exclusive loungewear for Business Elite and Business Class, and Kayanee T-shirts for Premium Economy Class, to ensure that all passengers arrive at their destination well-rested.
Sfeer: for a generation on the move
Passengers can access exclusive benefits by joining Riyadh Air’s loyalty programme, Sfeer. The name ‘Sfeer’ derives from the Arabic word for ‘ambassador’ and the English word ‘sphere’, embodying the generous spirit of Saudi Arabia whilst fostering a global community. It offers the ‘Best Fare Guarantee’, which includes a range of unique benefits, such as a ‘no expiry on points’ policy and free in-flight Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity. This digital lifestyle ecosystem connects a new generation of travellers through exclusive partnerships and events, both in the air and on the ground. The first Sfeer members join an elite club called ‘The Founders’, whose members will receive priority access to bookings on new routes, as well as other benefits.
About RIYADH AIR
Riyadh Air, a company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is redefining international travel as a full-service global airline based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Since its launch in March 2023, Riyadh Air has been committed to building a modern and efficient fleet and adopting rigorous sustainability practices, focusing on responsible operations and thoughtful innovation throughout every journey.
Each aircraft features advanced cabin interiors, a state-of-the-art digital in-flight entertainment system and seamless connectivity, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a memorable experience. By 2030, Riyadh Air aims to connect its passengers to more than 100 destinations worldwide, with authentic Saudi hospitality at the heart of every flight.
Source: BURSON GLOBAL