Riyadh Air to Launch Direct Manchester to Saudi Arabia Route This Summer
Manchester Airport welcomes a brand-new direct service to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh Air starting flights from 23 July 2026 using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
New Direct Route: Manchester to Riyadh
Manchester Airport is set to strengthen its Middle Eastern connections this summer with the launch of a brand-new direct service to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Air has confirmed it will begin operating flights between Manchester and the Saudi capital, Riyadh, from 23 July 2026.
The new route marks the first direct connection between the north of England and the Saudi capital in decades. Previously, passengers travelling between the two cities had to rely on connecting flights through major European hubs or other Gulf airports.
Flight Schedule
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Operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the service will be flown using Riyadh Air's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The schedule details for the new service are as follows:
- Flight RX417: Departs Riyadh King Khalid International Airport at 1:45 am local time, arriving at Manchester Airport at 6:40 am.
- Flight RX418: Departs Manchester Airport at 8:40 am, arriving back in Riyadh at 5:20 pm local time.
The airline noted that the flight times have been structured to accommodate both leisure travellers and corporate passengers, allowing business flyers to attend meetings in Riyadh without the necessity of an overnight layover.
Part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030
The launch forms part of Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to expand the nation's aviation sector and boost international tourism. Founded in 2023, Riyadh Air intends to grow its fleet to more than 100 aircraft and connect to over 100 international destinations over the next decade. The Manchester route is being introduced alongside expanded summer schedules from London Heathrow.
Growing UK–Saudi Arabia Connectivity
This addition comes amidst a broader increase in capacity between the UK and Saudi Arabia. British Airways recently increased its services from London Heathrow to Riyadh to 14 flights per week, alongside five weekly flights to Jeddah, while carriers such as Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic have also expanded their connections to the region from London airports.
What This Means for Manchester Passengers
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For travellers in the north of England, this route eliminates the need to travel south to London for a direct Saudi connection. Whether you're heading to Riyadh for business, a cultural trip, or connecting onwards to other Saudi destinations, the new Riyadh Air service offers a convenient option directly from Manchester Airport.
If you're planning to fly from Manchester this summer, check out our guide to the best destinations from Manchester Airport or browse all destinations served from the airport.
Planning Your Trip
Flying from Manchester? Don't forget to sort your airport parking in advance — booking early can save you up to 60%. If you have an early morning departure, consider a hotel with parking package for a stress-free start to your journey. And if you want to skip the queues, Fast Track security is available at Manchester for a small fee.
Written by
WhichTerminal Team