LONDON- Riyadh Air (RX), Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has announced two key milestones as it accelerates toward its 2025 debut. The airline will begin daily operational readiness flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) from October 26, 2025.
Alongside this operational launch, Riyadh Air unveiled Sfeer, its innovative loyalty program built around community sharing, gamified engagement, and exclusive benefits for early members.
Riyadh Air Plans London, Dubai Flights
Starting October 26, Riyadh Air (RX) will operate daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow (LHR) using its Boeing 787-9 test aircraft, Jamila.
These flights, numbered RX401 and RX402, are part of the airline’s structured “Pathway to Perfect” program — a rigorous testing and training initiative designed to ensure smooth, reliable, and high-quality service before commercial operations begin in 2025.
Here’s a flight schedule:
- The outbound service will depart King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 03:15 and arrive in London at 07:30 local time.
- The return flight will leave London at 09:30 and land in Riyadh at 19:15.
Initially, the flights will be available to select guests and Riyadh Air employees, helping the airline fine-tune operational readiness, crew performance, and customer experience before welcoming passengers worldwide.
Riyadh Air has also secured a permanent landing slot at Heathrow — one of the world’s busiest airports — underscoring its global ambitions and alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to enhance connectivity and tourism.
Following London, Dubai (DXB) will be added as part of the airline’s continued test phase, with additional routes expected for the 2025 winter and 2026 summer schedules.
CEO Tony Douglas emphasized that this phase marks a “tangible realization” of the carrier’s vision to connect Saudi Arabia with the world. The trials aboard Jamila are designed to refine every operational detail, ensuring Riyadh Air’s debut meets the standards of a world-class airline.
Sfeer: A New Kind of Airline Loyalty
Sfeer — meaning “Ambassador” in Arabic — is Riyadh Air’s loyalty platform built to reflect Saudi Arabia’s generosity and community spirit.
More than a conventional frequent flyer program, Sfeer integrates digital interactivity, social sharing, and personalized rewards to create what the airline calls a “lifestyle ecosystem.”
Members can share level points with friends and family, a unique feature that encourages collaboration and collective progress. Early registrants, called Founders, receive exclusive early access to bookings, complimentary Wi-Fi, special event invitations, and offers from local and global partners.
The program introduces gamified elements, including challenges, leaderboards, and engagement rewards. Crucially, points in Sfeer never expire — reinforcing Riyadh Air’s message that loyalty should be rewarding, not restrictive.
By 2026, the full rollout of Sfeer will connect members to a wide range of cultural and travel experiences that extend beyond flying, establishing Riyadh Air as one of the few airlines to merge aviation with lifestyle engagement in this way.
Riyadh Air Debuts Hafawa Lounge
Riyadh Air (RX), Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has unveiled its inaugural premium lounge, the “Hafawa Lounge,” at King Khalid International Airport. This vision guides every aspect of the 2,000-square-meter lounge, which offers seating for about 370 guests.
The Hafawa Lounge is located strategically between Terminals 1 and 2, the new space redefines modern air travel by combining Saudi hospitality, cultural heritage, and digital innovation. It has been designed as a haven for travelers seeking both comfort and sophistication.
The Hafawa Lounge is reserved exclusively for Riyadh Air’s Business Elite and Business Class passengers, offering a diverse range of curated spaces tailored to individual preferences.
The launch marks a significant milestone for Riyadh Air as it prepares to elevate the premium travel experience for Business and Business Elite passengers.
Guests can unwind in serene rest areas, connect in lively social zones, or enjoy family-friendly spaces and private rooms.
Each section has been thoughtfully designed to create a seamless transition from the airport to the air, reflecting Riyadh Air’s digital-first and guest-centric approach.
Award-winning global design studio Yabu Pushelberg led the lounge’s interior design, using natural materials such as limestone, oak wood, and bronze detailing to create a warm, tactile atmosphere.
The design draws inspiration from the Kingdom’s vast desert landscapes, where earth and sky converge in harmony, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the future of aviation.
Elevated Dining and Digital Experiences
Guests at the Hafawa Lounge can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from fresh pastries and coffee at The Café to buffet-style meals in the Social Dining area.
Executive Dining offers à la carte menus and private dining rooms overlooking a tranquil garden, while a Beverage Corner serves premium non-alcoholic drinks.
For travelers seeking something beyond traditional hospitality, Riyadh Air has integrated technology throughout the lounge experience.
The Immersive Room offers interactive digital environments, and guests benefit from barrier-free access, intuitive wayfinding, and personalized engagement touchpoints. These features align with Riyadh Air’s vision to blend advanced technology with authentic Saudi generosity.
Inspired by Saudi Hospitality and Heritage
The name “Hafawa,” derived from Arabic, signifies warmth and hospitality — values deeply rooted in Saudi culture. It has been designed to provide multiple zones for relaxation, dining, work, and social connection.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with Saudi coffee and premium dates, honoring a long-standing cultural tradition.
From the scent of fresh coffee to the soft textures of natural materials, the experience embodies the essence of Saudi Arabia’s heritage while embracing a contemporary identity.
Building Toward 2025 and Beyond
Riyadh Air’s operational launch flights and the rollout of Sfeer are major steps in its journey toward commercial operations in 2025.
The airline’s dual focus on technical precision and customer innovation reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation goals — to position Riyadh as a leading global hub linking Asia, Europe, and Africa.
With more destinations and aircraft deliveries expected soon, Riyadh Air’s progress signals a new era for Saudi aviation: modern, connected, and built around both performance and people.
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