Riyadh Air to launch first flights to London, loyalty program ahead of 2025

Riyadh: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, has marked two major milestones as it moves closer to its official 2025 debut: the launch of its inaugural daily flights to London Heathrow and the introduction of Sfeer, its innovative new loyalty program.

First Flights Begin October 26

Starting October 26, Riyadh Air will begin daily flights from Riyadh to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) aboard its Boeing 787-9 technical spare aircraft, *Jamila*. These early flights, initially available to select passengers and airline staff, are part of a critical phase in testing and fine-tuning operations as the airline prepares to welcome its first aircraft deliveries from Boeing.

Operating under flight numbers RX401 and RX402, the service will depart Riyadh at 03:15 and arrive in London at 07:30, with return flights departing Heathrow at 09:30 and arriving in Riyadh at 19:15 (all times local). The route also leverages Riyadh Air’s recently awarded landing slot at Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most competitive airports.

Additional routes, including services to Dubai, will be launched in the coming weeks as part of the airline’s phased “Pathway to Perfect” program. Full commercial operations are scheduled to begin in 2025, with further routes expected for winter 2025 and summer 2026.

“This isn’t just a launch; it’s a tangible realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world — a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. “These early flights allow us to fine-tune every detail to deliver a seamless, world-class experience.”

Introducing Sfeer: A New Era in Loyalty

Alongside its flight announcement, Riyadh Air has introduced Sfeer, a first-of-its-kind loyalty program designed for what the airline calls a “generation in motion.” More than just a points system, Sfeer integrates community-building, gamified experiences, and exclusive rewards that reflect Saudi Arabia’s spirit of hospitality and generosity.

Membership in Sfeer is now open on the official Riyadh Air website, and early joiners will be recognized as The Founders — a special tier that comes with exclusive perks such as early access to bookings, invitations to private events, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and future offers from local and international partners.

What sets Sfeer apart is its focus on shared rewards. Members will be able to share points and status level benefits with friends and family, fostering a sense of collective progress. The program also boasts a “no points expiry” policy, ensuring that earned benefits don’t go to waste.

“With Sfeer, we’re building much more than a loyalty program — we’re creating a digitally immersive lifestyle ecosystem,” said Douglas. “It’s about community, recognition, and rewarding the journey together.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Sfeer will expand with gamified challenges, leaderboards, and additional interactive features aimed at making loyalty both fun and engaging.

A New Chapter in Saudi Aviation

These announcements signal Riyadh Air’s rapid progress toward full launch as it positions itself as a premium, digitally native airline connecting Saudi Arabia to global destinations. The dual unveiling of international operations and an ambitious loyalty program highlights Riyadh Air’s broader goal: to redefine modern air travel while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda.

Passengers and aviation enthusiasts are encouraged to register for Sfeer now to secure Founding Member status and be among the first to fly with Riyadh Air as it takes off into a new era.