Riyadh Air delegation to visit key market of India to explore partnerships

Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, is leading a delegation to India for a series of discussions that will explore potential partnerships in a key market for the airline. Riyadh Air, which will launch operations later this year, is poised to significantly enhance connectivity and growth opportunities between the two nations, with India expected to become Saudi Arabia’s top tourism source market by 2030.

The Saudi Tourism Authority aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors from India per annum by the close of the decade. Statistics show that the number of Indians traveling to Saudi Arabia increased by 50 percent 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 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.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “India has long been a crucial part of Riyadh Air’s network planning ahead of our operations launch. India is a beautiful nation which will play a big part in the success story of our airline, as travel and business opportunities multiply with the expanded offerings we are set to provide.

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

As the world’s first digital native airline, we are dedicated to partnering with entities across a variety of 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 play a crucial role in enhancing Riyadh Air’s brand visibility and promoting its range of flight services across the country.”

GauravBhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, said: “We are honored to be Riyadh Air’s exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. We are confident that Indian travelers will embrace Riyadh Air’s innovative services and exceptional onboard experience.

Saudi Arabia and India enjoy cordial and friendly relations that reflect the two nations’ 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 is playing a key role in achieving Vision 2030 goals by contributing to the nation’s wider economic diversification and jobs creation aims.”

Riyadh Air is set to 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.