Saudi carriers Riyadh Air and Saudia this week launched the first phase of a strategic partnership intended to improve connectivity within the kingdom and beyond.
Riyadh Air’s code will now appear on six Saudia-operated routes to and from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Riyadh Air’s main hub. The connections serve Abha, Al Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, and Tabuk, all in Saudi Arabia.
With codesharing in place, passengers will be able to book a domestic flight to Riyadh on Saudia and an international flight on Riyadh Air with a single ticket, officials said. The same applies for passengers flying into Saudi Arabia via Riyadh Air, then traveling to one of the six included cities with Saudia.
“By placing its RX code on Saudia’s frequent daily flights between Riyadh and the six destinations covered by the codeshare, Riyadh Air will be able to ensure that its guests have the most convenient possible connecting option tailored to the arrival or departure time of their Riyadh Air flight at RUH,” Riyadh Air said in a news release. “With both carriers operating under one roof in the KKIA Terminal 1-4 complex, connecting guests will experience swift, single-ticket transits with luggage checked through to their final destination.”
Riyadh Air and Saudia both serve as flag carriers of Saudi Arabia, though Saudia is much older and more established. Riyadh Air was formed in 2023 and only launched full commercial operations this summer.
The two airlines signed a strategic cooperation agreement in 2023 laying the groundwork for future codesharing and coordination on routes.
Riyadh Air currently serves London Heathrow, Jeddah, Dubai, Cairo, Manchester, and Madrid.
