Air India and Riyadh Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia, with plans to introduce codeshare and interline agreements that will allow passengers to travel across both airlines’ networks under a single booking.
The agreement, announced on June 4, is aimed at expanding travel options and improving onward global connections, subject to regulatory approvals.
The partnership is expected to link key hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai with Riyadh, enabling smoother transit for passengers travelling for business, tourism, and family visits.
Both airlines said the collaboration will also enhance connectivity beyond their respective home markets, offering wider access to international destinations.
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Under the proposed framework, Air India and Riyadh Air will enable passengers to book connecting flights across both networks with simplified travel arrangements. The agreement includes plans for interline and codeshare operations, allowing greater flexibility in routing and ticketing.
In addition to passenger connectivity, the airlines will explore cooperation in cargo operations, operational support, loyalty program integration, and digital and technology-driven improvements to enhance customer experience.
The agreement reflects rising demand for air travel between India and Saudi Arabia, driven by expanding economic ties, tourism flows, and strong diaspora connections. Both countries have emerged as key growth markets in global aviation, with increasing passenger volumes across multiple segments.
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said the partnership brings together two fast-growing aviation markets and will help expand travel options across their combined networks.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said the collaboration marks a major step in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global connectivity strategy, particularly with India being one of the most important aviation markets worldwide.
Air India currently operates 25 codeshare partnerships and over 120 interline agreements globally, offering access to more than 1,000 destinations. The airline has significantly expanded its international partnerships since its privatization in 2022.
Riyadh Air, which is preparing to begin commercial operations, has already opened bookings for its London Heathrow route, with flights scheduled to commence on July 1. The airline said this service will further enhance connectivity options for Indian travellers via Riyadh to Europe and the United Kingdom.
The Air India–Riyadh Air partnership marks a strategic step in strengthening India–Saudi aviation links, improving connectivity, and expanding global travel options through integrated networks and future codeshare operations.
Air India is India’s flag carrier airline, owned by Tata Group since 2022. It operates domestic and international flights, focusing on network expansion, fleet modernisation, and enhanced global connectivity through partnerships, serving key markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s new full-service national airline, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Launched in 2023, it aims to position Riyadh as a global aviation hub, connecting major international destinations with a focus on premium travel and modern digital-first passenger experience.
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