Riyadh Air Expands European Network With New Nonstop Madrid Service

Riyadh Air has launched its inaugural nonstop service to Madrid, marking another step in the Saudi national carrier’s European expansion and its efforts to strengthen economic, tourism and business ties between Saudi Arabia and Spain.

The inaugural RX0531 flight arrived at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, where an official reception was attended by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, Atlético de Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and senior executives.

A New Air Bridge Between Saudi Arabia and Spain

The launch of direct flights to Madrid establishes a new air connection between the two countries, supporting increased travel, tourism and commercial activity.

The route is also expected to benefit the growing business relationship between Saudi Arabia and Spain, with an estimated 250 Spanish companies currently operating in the Kingdom.

Strategic MoU Signed With Air Europa

Coinciding with the launch of the Madrid service, Riyadh Air signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Spanish carrier Air Europa.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the agreement is expected to establish a framework for interline connectivity, codeshare arrangements and aligned loyalty programs across Air Europa’s network in Spain, Southern Europe and Latin America.

The partnership could provide travelers with broader connectivity and additional destination options through Madrid.

Madrid Follows Seasonal Málaga Service

The Madrid route follows Riyadh Air’s launch of seasonal flights to Málaga on July 14, with the service scheduled to operate through Sept. 8.

Both Spanish routes were developed in cooperation with the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s connectivity with key international markets.

Riyadh Air Strengthens Its Presence in Spain

Beyond aviation, Riyadh Air has established a growing presence in Spain through its sports partnership with Atlético de Madrid.

The airline serves as the principal sponsor of the club’s men’s and women’s teams and holds the naming rights to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, strengthening its brand visibility in the Spanish and European markets.

More Than 100 Global Destinations Targeted by 2030

Madrid forms part of Riyadh Air’s initial network expansion, alongside destinations including Jeddah, Dubai, Cairo, London and Manchester.

The Public Investment Fund-owned airline is building its operations around a growing fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and expects to receive 10 aircraft by the end of 2026.

Riyadh Air aims to connect the Saudi capital with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, while projecting nearly $20 billion in contributions to the Kingdom’s non-oil economy and supporting the creation of approximately 200,000 jobs.