Air India and Riyadh Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic partnership aimed at improving air connectivity between India, Saudi Arabia, and onward international destinations.
The agreement outlines planned codeshare and interline arrangements connecting key hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Riyadh. It is designed to give passengers smoother travel options across both airlines’ networks, subject to regulatory approvals in India and Saudi Arabia.
Easier travel across combined networks
Once implemented, the partnership will allow passengers to book single-ticket journeys across both carriers, reducing the need for separate bookings and simplifying connections.
The collaboration is expected to improve access to multiple destinations through the airlines’ hubs, while also supporting growing demand for business, tourism and family travel between the two countries.
A potential extension of the network includes connectivity to London Heathrow, where Riyadh Air is set to begin operations from July 1.
Wider cooperation beyond flight connections
Along with codeshare arrangements, the airlines plan to explore deeper cooperation in areas such as loyalty programmes, cargo services, operational support and digital systems.
The proposed loyalty integration would allow frequent flyers to earn and redeem rewards across both carriers. Other areas of collaboration aim to improve efficiency and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Leadership highlights growing aviation markets
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the partnership reflects the strong growth potential in both India and Saudi Arabia, adding that it will expand travel options and improve customer experience across the combined network.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas described India as a key aviation market and said the partnership marks an important step in connecting Saudi Arabia with major global destinations.
Air India’s global expansion strategy
Air India currently operates an extensive network of codeshare and interline agreements with more than 120 partners worldwide, giving its passengers access to over 1,000 destinations. The new tie-up adds to its ongoing international expansion following its privatisation in 2022.
Riyadh Air’s upcoming global launch
Riyadh Air is preparing to launch its first international services to London Heathrow on July 1. The route is expected to strengthen onward connectivity for Indian travellers transiting through Riyadh to destinations across Europe and beyond.
The partnership between the two airlines is positioned to enhance connectivity between two rapidly growing aviation markets while improving global travel options for passengers.
