Air India and Riyadh Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing premium travel options between India, Saudi Arabia and destinations across the globe.
The agreement reflects the shared vision of both full-service carriers to strengthen global connectivity by leveraging their major hubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Riyadh. Subject to regulatory approvals, the partnership will enable travellers to enjoy seamless journeys through interline and codeshare arrangements, allowing passengers to book connected itineraries under a single reservation.
Beyond passenger connectivity, the airlines will explore cooperation across several key areas including reciprocal loyalty programme benefits, cargo services, operational support, technology initiatives and digital innovations designed to elevate the overall travel experience.
The collaboration comes at a time when demand for travel between India and Saudi Arabia continues to grow, driven by business opportunities, tourism, religious travel and strong family and cultural ties between the two nations.
Commenting on the partnership, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said that India and Saudi Arabia are among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally and that the partnership will provide customers with greater travel choices and improved connectivity.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas described India as one of the most important aviation markets in the world and stated that the collaboration marks a significant step towards Riyadh Air’s vision of connecting Saudi Arabia to key global destinations.
Since returning to the Tata Group in 2022, Air India has expanded its international network through 25 codeshare partnerships and more than 120 interline agreements, offering access to over 1,000 destinations worldwide.
Riyadh Air recently opened bookings for its inaugural London Heathrow route, scheduled to commence on July 1. The new service is expected to provide Indian travellers with seamless access to the United Kingdom and Europe via Riyadh.
The partnership is expected to create new opportunities for passengers while strengthening aviation ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
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