RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest full-service airline, has received regulatory approval from Chinese authorities to launch nonstop flights between Riyadh and two of China’s largest cities, marking a significant step in the carrier’s international expansion strategy.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has authorized Riyadh Air to operate three weekly flights between Riyadh and Beijing Daxing International Airport and four weekly flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The approval gives the airline access to one of the world’s largest aviation markets as it continues to build its global network.
Although launch dates for the new routes have not yet been announced, the approval represents another milestone for the rapidly growing carrier, which is positioning itself as a major player in international aviation and a competitor to established Gulf airlines.
The addition of Beijing and Shanghai will strengthen Riyadh Air’s network from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, where the airline currently serves destinations including London, Jeddah, Dubai and Cairo.
China Routes Support Long-Term Growth Strategy
The China expansion comes as Riyadh Air accelerates efforts to establish a broad international footprint. The airline has already launched several routes and is preparing for additional services to major destinations across Europe and Asia.
Among the destinations expected to join the network in the coming months are Madrid, Malaga, Manchester, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka and Mumbai.
The carrier is also pursuing expansion into North America. Riyadh Air has secured approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate flights to the United States, although it has not yet revealed which American cities will be served.
The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification plans, which seek to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil revenues and develop Riyadh into a leading global transportation and tourism hub.
Industry observers view Riyadh Air as a central component of that strategy. The airline has publicly stated ambitions to reach 100 destinations by the end of the decade and ultimately become Saudi Arabia’s primary international carrier, surpassing the role currently held by Saudia.
Competitive China Market Awaits New Entrant
Seven Weekly Flights Planned Between Saudi Arabia and China
Under the approved schedule, Riyadh Air will operate a total of seven weekly flights to mainland China, divided between Beijing and Shanghai.
The Saudi Arabia–China aviation market is already served by several established carriers. According to analysis by Aviation Week using OAG Schedules Analyser data, Saudia currently accounts for approximately 60% of all flights between the two countries during the summer season.
Other airlines operating in the market include Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air China and China Eastern Airlines.
The arrival of Riyadh Air is expected to increase competition while supporting growing business, tourism and trade links between Saudi Arabia and China.
The airline’s broader strategy focuses heavily on connecting international travelers through Riyadh, placing it in direct competition with major Gulf carriers including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways. By targeting transfer passengers traveling between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Riyadh Air hopes to establish Riyadh as a major connecting hub.
Boeing 787-9 Fleet to Serve China Operations
Four-Class Cabin Designed Around Saudi Hospitality
Flights to Beijing and Shanghai will be operated using Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Each aircraft accommodates up to 290 passengers in a four-class configuration consisting of four Business Elite seats, 24 business-class seats, 39 premium economy seats and 223 economy seats.
Passengers flying with Riyadh Air will find an onboard experience on its 787s that blends Saudi hospitality with a modern cabin design.
The cabins feature a lavender and indigo color palette and include complimentary Wi-Fi, Arabic-inspired dining options and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Riyadh Air operates as a dry airline and does not serve alcohol on board.
Business Elite and Business Class cabins are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and include private suites with sliding doors. The seats convert into fully flat beds and incorporate premium design elements such as marble-style surfaces, mocha-gold accents and Bedouin-inspired canopy details. Premium passengers also receive Kayuanee amenity kits.
Premium Economy travelers are offered a 38-inch seat pitch, recliner-style seating and adjustable calf rests. The cabin also includes complimentary care kits and noise-canceling headphones.
In Economy Class, passengers are seated in a 3-3-3 layout with a 31-inch seat pitch and 17.2-inch seat width. Every seat is equipped with a personal entertainment screen and USB charging ports, while meals are served using hard reusable containers as part of the airline’s onboard service concept.
As Riyadh Air moves closer to launching flights to China, the new routes represent another major step in its effort to become a leading global airline and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position in international aviation.
