Riyadh Air Launches Direct Flights to Madrid and Signs Strategic Alliance MoU with Air Europa
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, commenced operations between Riyadh and Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport this Friday, becoming the only scheduled direct air link between the two capital cities.
This new operation in the Spanish capital builds upon the recent launch of its seasonal flights to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which began on July 14, 2026. This summer route operates as a seamless, direct extension of the service from Riyadh, ensuring premium passenger access to the Costa del Sol until September 8, 2026.
“Today we have built a critical bridge that brings Saudi Arabia and Spain closer than ever before. Landing in Madrid, alongside our seasonal service to Málaga and our new strategic alliance with Air Europa, represents a massive step forward in our mission to connect Riyadh to the world. We are incredibly proud to welcome passengers on board our advanced Dreamliners to experience authentic Saudi hospitality, while offering Spanish travelers a direct gateway to Riyadh’s dynamic business and leisure environment.”
— Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.
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Strategic Alliance: A Key Link to Latin America
In tandem with the inaugural flight, Riyadh Air announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Spanish carrier Air Europa. Subject to regulatory approvals, both airlines will implement a collaborative framework to coordinate connectivity across their respective hub networks.
The agreement will leverage Air Europa’s network across Spain, Southern Europe, and Latin America, utilizing the Madrid-Barajas hub as a pivotal transit point. The strategic cooperation plan will focus on the following development areas:
- Establishment of interline connectivity.
- Potential implementation of codeshare agreements.
- Reciprocity between frequent flyer and loyalty programs.
- Close cooperation in air cargo transport and logistics.
- Joint digital innovation initiatives.
Flight Schedules and Itineraries
Scheduled operations will be performed using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The scheduled flight itineraries are detailed below:
Riyadh – Madrid | 4 weekly frequencies
- Departs Riyadh at 02:00 – Arrives in Madrid at 07:55.
- Departs Madrid at 10:05 – Arrives in Riyadh at 17:20.
Riyadh – Málaga | 3 weekly frequencies (Seasonal)
- Departs Riyadh at 01:20 – Arrives in Málaga at 07:25.
- Departs Málaga at 09:05 – Arrives in Riyadh at 16:30.
The successful launch of Riyadh Air’s operations in Madrid and Málaga marks a crucial milestone in its Western European expansion strategy. The immediate next step will focus on formalizing and executing the operational agreements stemming from the Air Europa alliance once cleared by regulatory authorities.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.