Aviation Riyadh Air seeks tie-up with Indian carriers By Pramod Kumar March 17, 2025, 2:37 PM SPA Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas met with India’s aviation regulator to seek the requisite permissions and support to start its Indian operation Saudi Arabia’s newest airline Riyadh Air is exploring potential tie-ups with Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India, CEO Tony Douglas has said. The conversations are at an early stage but offer a “win-win” proposition, he told The Indian Express news daily. India is a “super important” market, Douglas said, as Saudi Arabia expects India to become its largest source market for tourism by 2030. Douglas met with India’s aviation regulator to seek the requisite permissions and support to start Riyadh Air’s India operations. Riyadh Air start may be further delayed Saudia ‘still a flag carrier’ ahead of Riyadh Air launch Riyadh Air secures unprecedented number of airport slots The Public Investment Fund-backed airline is slated to start commercial operations later this year. It has partnerships with global airlines including Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, China Eastern, Air China and Egypt Air, the report said. In February, Douglas said that Riyadh Air has ordered 72 twin-aisle Boeing 787s and 60 single-aisle Airbus A321neos. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
