Riyadh Air has confirmed that Cairo will be added to its expanding route network, with daily nonstop flights from Riyadh scheduled to commence in the near future. The service will be operated using the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and forms part of its broader plans to establish connections between Saudi Arabia and major international cities, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
The announcement follows the airline’s “Pathway to Perfect” operational readiness phase. With delivery of its first aircraft expected in the coming weeks, the carrier is preparing to begin commercial operations shortly thereafter, initially serving London, Dubai and Cairo. Cairo has been selected as an early destination due to strong passenger demand between the Egyptian and Saudi capitals. The Riyadh–Cairo corridor is among the busiest globally, having recorded approximately 2.7 million passengers last year.
“The launch of our commercial service to Cairo marks a true beginning of our journey to connect Riyadh to the world, and the world to Riyadh. This route has been carefully selected to serve a key market that aligns with our ambition to become a global destination and a significant contributor to Vision 2030. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard our state-of-the-art Dreamliners to experience our distinctive Saudi hospitality and redefine the future of air travel.”
– Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.
The addition of Cairo is expected to support travel demand across several segments, including religious tourism, leisure travel and business trips. The route also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider economic diversification and tourism development strategy. Riyadh continues to position itself as a central gateway within the Kingdom, while Cairo remains a major cultural and commercial centre in the region, offering access to historical sites and coastal destinations such as the Red Sea. The recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum has further strengthened Cairo’s appeal as a visitor destination.
Alongside the route expansion, the airline has introduced its new loyalty scheme, ‘Sfeer’, described as the first programme of its kind in the region. Sfeer, which translates to “Ambassador” in Arabic, is now open for enrolment via Riyadh Air’s official website, enabling prospective passengers to register ahead of ticket sales and begin accruing points once flights are available.
The airline has indicated that further destinations will be announced as part of its longer-term growth strategy, which targets service to more than 100 cities by 2030. Future passengers will be served through what the airline describes as a digital-first model, supported by its loyalty programme and planned onboard service standards.
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