Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas is leading a delegation to India for a series of discussions to explore potential partnerships in the airline’s key market. 

Riyadh Air, which will launch operations later this year, is poised to significantly enhance connectivity and growth opportunities between the two nations. By 2030, India will become Saudi Arabia’s top tourism source market. 

The Saudi Tourism Authority aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors from India annually by the end of the decade. Statistics show that the number of Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia increased by 50 per cent in 2023 to more than 1.5 million following a series of strategic initiatives. 

As part of the Riyadh Air trip, which takes place from March 12 to 14, 2025, the delegation will meet the officials at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as well as the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for requisite permissions and support to launch India operations. Mr Douglas will also meet IndiGo and Air India– India’s two largest airlines, to discuss possible partnerships.

Douglas said, “India has long been crucial to Riyadh Air’s network planning before the launch of our operations. India is a beautiful nation that will significantly contribute to our airline’s success as we expand our services and create more travel and business opportunities.

“Beyond connecting people, fostering economic growth, and enhancing and diversifying the Saudi Arabian and Indian tourism sectors, Riyadh Air’s network will help develop stronger bonds between the two great countries.

“As the world’s first digital native airline, we are dedicated to partnering with entities across various aviation stakeholders in India to create a sustainable, prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship that delivers exceptional travel experiences.”

The trip comes as Riyadh Air has officially appointed Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. Bird Travels, renowned for its extensive connectivity and deep understanding of the Indian travel landscape, will enhance Riyadh Air’s brand visibility and promote its range of flight services nationwide.

Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, said, “We are honoured to be Riyadh Air’s exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. We are confident that Indian travellers will embrace Riyadh Air’s innovative services and exceptional onboard experience.”

Saudi Arabia and India enjoy cordial and friendly relations that reflect their centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties. Diplomatic relations were established between Saudi Arabia and India in 1947. As well as being a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, Riyadh Air plays a key role in achieving Vision 2030 goals by contributing to the nation’s broader economic diversification and job creation aims. Riyadh Air will fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030, increase Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP growth by $20 billion, and directly and indirectly create more than 200,000 new jobs globally and locally.

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