✈️ New Player in the Sky: Riyadh Air Eyes Australia for Long-Haul Expansion

✈️ New Player in the Sky: Riyadh Air Eyes Australia for Long-Haul Expansion

Watch out Emirates, Qatar and Etihad — there’s a bold new player entering the premium travel game.

Saudi Arabia’s brand-new airline, Riyadh Air, is gearing up to make serious waves in the international travel scene — and yes, they’ve got Australia firmly in their sights.

🛫 Who is Riyadh Air?

Backed by the Saudi government and led by former Etihad boss Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air is no budget upstart. Their game plan? Ultra-modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners fitted with private Business Class suites and true Premium Economy seats — the kind that actually recline like they should.

By the end of 2025, the airline will launch its first European routes. From there, Riyadh Air plans to expand quickly, adding over 100 global destinations by 2030, including Australia and New Zealand.

🇸🇦 Riyadh as the New Dubai?

The Saudi capital is set to become a global travel hub, with Riyadh Air aiming to mirror the success of Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), and Etihad (Abu Dhabi). Think world-class transit, streamlined connections, and high-end service at every touchpoint.

But they’re not rushing into Australia just yet.

The first step? Flights to Singapore, connecting with partner Singapore Airlines for the final leg to Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. It's a smart, strategic move — and it means you’ll soon be able to experience Riyadh Air’s premium service even before they touch down on Aussie soil.

✈️ Non-Stop to Oz? That’s the Plan.

Once passenger demand builds, Riyadh Air plans to launch non-stop flights to Australia using their 787-9 Dreamliners, which have the range to go direct. Cities on the radar include:

  • Sydney

  • Melbourne

  • Brisbane

  • Perth

  • Adelaide

That’s right — the airline is aiming to serve all five major Australian capitals, potentially undercutting fares and creating more Business Class competition.

More competition = more choice + better deals for travellers 👏

🍷 Will Riyadh Air Serve Alcohol?

Here’s where it gets a little... diplomatic.

With Saudi Arabia’s conservative laws, many have asked whether Riyadh Air will be a “dry” airline. CEO Tony Douglas gave a carefully worded answer:

“We’ll work within the legal framework that is present at any point in time.”

Translation? They’re leaving the door open for change. Saudi Arabia has already taken small steps toward loosening alcohol restrictions for non-Muslim foreigners, and there’s growing talk of reforms as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s push to position the country as a major global tourism and business hub.

🌍 Why This Matters for Business Class Travellers

If you love flying Business (but hate paying full fare), Riyadh Air’s arrival is one to watch. Their entry could:

  • Shake up the premium travel market

  • Lower long-haul Business Class fares

  • Offer a new, world-class option for flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa

Add in a partnership with Singapore Airlines, and you’ve got serious travel flexibility with high-end comfort.

👉 Want to stay ahead of the curve and learn how to fly Business Class for less than Economy?

Check this out: https://shorturl.at/b2oAS

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