The MoU will support codeshare operations, hassle-free travel, and wider network connectivity for customers.
Dubai: Air India and Riyadh Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on enhancing connectivity between India, Saudi Arabia and global destinations.
The agreement lays the foundation for potential interline and codeshare arrangements, subject to regulatory approvals, enabling passengers to travel across both airlines’ networks under a single booking with seamless onward connections via their respective hubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Riyadh.
The partnership aims to strengthen air connectivity between two of the fastest-growing aviation markets and meet rising demand for business, tourism and family travel between India and Saudi Arabia.
‘Explore cooperation’
Under the MoU, the two airlines will also examine potential collaboration across several areas, including reciprocal loyalty programme benefits, cargo operations, operational support, and digital and technology-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience.
Campbell Wilson said India and Saudi Arabia represent key growth markets in global aviation, adding that the partnership would bring together the complementary strengths of both carriers to offer passengers greater choice and an improved travel experience.
Tony Douglas described India as one of the world’s most important aviation markets, adding that the agreement marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s strategy to strengthen connectivity between Saudi Arabia and key global destinations.
Preparing for launch
The agreement comes as Riyadh Air prepares to begin commercial operations. The airline recently opened bookings for its inaugural London Heathrow service, with flights set to commence on July 1. The route is expected to offer Indian travellers improved one-stop connectivity to the United Kingdom and Europe via Riyadh.
Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has expanded its global partnerships, building a network of 25 codeshare agreements and more than 120 interline partnerships, providing access to over 1,000 destinations worldwide.
The Air India–Riyadh Air partnership reflects the strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between India and Saudi Arabia, while also supporting both airlines’ ambitions to expand their global reach and enhance international connectivity.
