RIYADH- In a major strategic breakthrough, Riyadh Air (RX) has secured a daily slot at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). If flights start, this will mark its first international destination in Europe.
As per the slots, the new service should commence on October 26, 2025, operating daily between Riyadh (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR). The airline will be using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which accommodates 288 passengers across business and economy cabins.
This development stems from a slot swap with British Airways (BA). This got approved under the bmi remedy process — a competition measure established following International Airlines Group’s (IAG) 2012 acquisition of BMI British Midland.
The formal request, submitted via Airport Coordination Ltd on July 30, 2025, reflects Riyadh Air’s long-term ambitions and objective of enhancing global connectivity to over 100 destinations by 2030.
Photo: Clément AlloingRiyadh Air Secures London Slots
The secured slot enables Riyadh Air to land at Heathrow during the high-demand morning window — arrival around 07:30 GMT and departure at 09:30 GMT. This timing is expected to facilitate seamless connections to other European destinations and serve business travelers efficiently.
British Airways has adjusted several of its own flights, notably moving RX401 from 23:00 to 07:30 and BA9998 from 23:30 to 23:00 across various operational dates, clearing the path for Riyadh Air’s new schedule.
These adjustments were detailed in the slot coordination update, which now paves the way for ticket sales to begin soon. The airline will be looking to expand towards the east as well, such as to India, China, and other Southeast Asian destinations.
Photo: Riyadh AirRiyadh Air’s First Commercial Flight?
Riyadh Air is preparing to launch its first commercial passenger service in late 2025. The airline has pending delivery of its Boeing 787‑9 aircraft and formal certification. The company conducted non‑commercial certification flights.
The airline flew an inaugural rotation between Riyadh and Jeddah in September 2024. However, it has not yet operated any scheduled passenger services.
Therefore, the planned Riyadh–London Heathrow route starting October 26, 2025, would represent one of the very first (if not the first) commercial operations for the airline, assuming all regulatory and delivery milestones are met.
Riyadh Air, launched in 2024, aims to connect over 100 destinations by 2030. Securing access to Heathrow — one of the world’s most slot-constrained airports — is a big win. It is a powerful signal of the airline’s competitive intent.
This route alone, with an average one-way premium fare of $1,400, is a high-business and high-yielding sector. The route also benefits from Saudi Arabia’s growing efforts to drive inbound tourism, including mega-events like Riyadh Season.
With strong demand for travel between the UK and the Middle East, Riyadh Air’s entry into Heathrow strengthens its case for becoming a major global connector in the coming years.
Photo: Tobias GudatGrowing Saudi Arabia–UK Air Connectivity
The Saudi Arabia–UK corridor will have increased competition and strategic expansion. With the launch of Riyadh Air’s flights to London Heathrow, the route now sees three major carriers—Saudia, British Airways, and Riyadh Air—serving one of the most prominent long-haul markets in the region.
This rise in frequency and options of airlines, which increases choice, will offer better pricing, improved schedules, and more flexibility for both business and leisure travelers. Riyadh–London and Jeddah–London are key trunk routes.
As Riyadh Air positions itself as a premium airline, its presence on these routes not only raises service standards but also intensifies competition. British Airways and Saudia, which have long operated these sectors, may now need to adjust their offerings in response.
This growing network also enhances access for UK travelers to the Kingdom’s emerging tourist destinations, such as the Red Sea coast and NEOM. These new flights with possible new routes in the pipeline will make the Saudi–UK air link more competitive.
Photo: Riyadh AirBottom Line
With less than three months to go, Riyadh Air will have to prepare for a full-scale rollout. The airline will have to work on getting things together, such as ticket sales, ground handling arrangements, and marketing.
Heathrow serves as a gateway to the UK and will also open possibilities for further European expansion, with cities like Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam potentially on the radar. The journey to secure the Heathrow slot hasn’t been without challenges.
The bmi remedy process, while designed to ensure competitive fairness, has seen several disputes and delays in the past. The winter schedule will run from October 26, 2025, through March 28, 2026, with possible future renewal.
Codeshare agreements or interline partnerships might be crucial for Riyadh Air to sustain high load factors, particularly given the scale of daily operations with a 288-seat aircraft.
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Riyadh Air Cabin Crew Salary, New Hiring in 2025 and More
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