Air India and Riyadh Air Sign Partnership to Link India and Saudi Arabia

Air India and Riyadh Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a broad-ranging partnership aimed at improving connectivity between India, Saudi Arabia, and onward destinations across both carriers' networks.

The agreement outlines plans for codeshare and interline arrangements that would allow passengers to book seamlessly across both airlines using a single ticket, with smoother connections via their respective hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Riyadh. Subject to regulatory approvals, the partnership will also explore reciprocal loyalty programme benefits, cargo cooperation, operational support, and digital and technology initiatives.

"India and Saudi Arabia are two important growth markets in global aviation today, and the scale and momentum in both countries make this a natural partnership," said Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, described India as one of the most important aviation markets in the world, adding that the partnership would offer guests a seamless experience reflecting the deep cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

The agreement is timely for both carriers. Air India has significantly expanded its alliance network since privatisation in 2022, now maintaining 25 codeshare partnerships and over 120 interline agreements providing access to more than 1,000 destinations globally. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, has recently launched public sales for its inaugural route to London Heathrow, with first flights on July 1, opening an additional connection point for Indian travelers to the UK and Europe via Riyadh.