RIYADH- Riyadh Air (RX) will launch 4 weekly flights between King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (RUH), and Milan Malpensa Airport, Milan (MXP), from 16 December 2026. The service will be operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The airline has opened reservations for the new Italy service, with flights scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. RX519 will operate from Riyadh to Milan, while RX520 will return from Milan to Riyadh.
Riyadh Air Adds 4 Weekly Milan Service
Riyadh Air will begin its direct Milan operation on 16 December 2026, marking the airline’s scheduled launch in Italy. The new route links the Saudi capital with Milan Malpensa and expands Riyadh Air’s European network.
The service will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Riyadh Air’s published Milan information confirms departures from King Khalid International Airport, Terminal 2, and arrivals at Milan Malpensa Airport, Terminal 1.
AeroRoutes reported the schedule as follows:
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Aircraft | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX519 | Riyadh (RUH) to Milan (MXP) | 02:45 | 07:05 | Boeing 787-9 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| RX520 | Milan (MXP) to Riyadh (RUH) | 09:55 | 17:15 | Boeing 787-9 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
All times are local. The 4-weekly schedule provides service across the middle and end of the week and includes Sunday operations.
Milan Travel Guide
Milan is Italy’s fashion and design center and combines historic architecture, major art collections, luxury shopping, modern business districts and a well-established food culture.
The city offers attractions ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary design and nightlife.
Its cultural profile includes Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, historic Gothic architecture, and museums covering Italian art and modernism. Milan is also closely associated with fashion houses such as Prada, Armani and Versace.
Milan has a long-standing role in global fashion and design. The city is home to major Italian fashion houses and remains an important center for clothing, luxury retail, furniture and interior design.
Visitors can explore the Quadrilatero della Moda, the city’s principal fashion district, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a historic shopping arcade known for luxury stores and its glass-domed architecture.
Milan also hosts major design events. Visitors planning a spring trip can consider April, when the city hosts Design Week, one of the world’s largest events focused on design.
Northern Italian Cuisine
Milanese cuisine reflects the agricultural and geographic diversity of Lombardy, with dishes built around meat, pasta, and rice.
Traditional specialties include cotoletta alla Milanese, a breaded Milanese cutlet, and cassoeula, a traditional pork and cabbage dish.
Aperitivo is another important part of local dining culture, combining drinks and light snacks before dinner.
Porta Nuova has restaurants serving local dishes alongside contemporary cuisine. Corso Como offers a wider mix of dining options, while the Portello District includes international flavors.
Milan’s Art and Cultural Heritage
Milan’s artistic history covers Gothic architecture, Renaissance art, and later modern movements. The city offers collections focused on Italian art, Renaissance works and modernism.
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana provides access to major historic works, while the Museo del Novecento focuses on modern art.
The Museo delle Culture offers collections related to anthropology and global cultures, and the Pinacoteca di Brera includes works by major Italian and European artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio.
Travelers visiting major museums can plan morning visits to manage crowds and make more time for other attractions.
Milan Neighborhood Guide
Navigli
Navigli is centered on Milan’s historic canal district and is known for canal-side restaurants, bars, nightlife, and vintage shopping.
During the day, visitors can walk along the canals, photograph the surrounding architecture, and browse antique stores. In the evening, the Naviglio Grande area becomes a popular destination for drinks and dining.
Good for: Canals, bars, vintage stores
Brera
Brera combines art, cafes, galleries, antique stores, and historic architecture. Its pedestrian streets and compact layout make it suitable for walking and exploring independent shops and cultural attractions.
The neighborhood also has a long association with writers, painters and intellectuals who contributed to Milan’s cultural history.
Good for: Art, cafes, antiquing
Duomo
Duomo is located at the center of Milan and provides convenient access to major attractions, shopping areas and city viewpoints. The district is home to the Duomo di Milano, one of the city’s most important landmarks.
The cathedral took more than 600 years to complete and remains a defining feature of central Milan.
Good for: Iconic attractions, designer shopping, central location
Things to Do in Milan
Family-Friendly Attractions
Families can visit the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology and explore Sforza Castle, a major historic landmark in the city.
During warmer months, Acquatica Park offers water-based activities, while Leolandia Park provides rides and attractions outside central Milan.
Shopping
The city’s shopping scene ranges from luxury fashion to independent stores. The Quadrilatero della Moda is known for high-end fashion, while the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II combines luxury retail with historic architecture.
Travelers seeking more affordable and distinctive purchases can explore the artisanal stores in Brera.
Museums and Culture
Milan offers museums covering Renaissance art, modernism, anthropology, science and design. Key cultural stops include the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Museo del Novecento, Museo delle Culture and Pinacoteca di Brera.
Visitors interested in Leonardo da Vinci can also see The Last Supper, one of Milan’s best-known artistic attractions.
Nightlife
Navigli is one of Milan’s best-known nightlife districts, with bars, breweries, discos and restaurants along the canals. Brera offers a quieter setting with small wine bars and cafes.
Corso Sempione provides another evening option, with higher-energy clubs, lounges and cocktail venues.
Places to Eat
Porta Nuova has a concentration of restaurants serving Milanese and contemporary cuisine. Corso Como offers varied dining, while the Portello District provides international options.
Aperitivo is an important part of the local dining routine, with drinks and small dishes typically served before dinner.
Free Things to Do
Milan has several ways to explore the city without a large admission budget. Some museums offer free entry on designated occasions, including Palazzo Morando, which has collections related to fashion.
The Monumental Cemetery can also be visited without an admission charge and is known for its decorated tombs and monuments.
For modern architecture and city views, visitors can explore Piazza Gae Aulenti without an entrance fee.
Milan: Know Before You Go
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | Italian |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET), UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | May to September |
| Low season | December to February |
These basics are useful for travelers planning short city breaks or longer stays around the new Riyadh Air service.
Weather in Milan
April to May
Spring generally brings comfortable daytime temperatures, while evenings can remain chilly. Travelers should carry layers for changing conditions.
April and May can also offer suitable conditions for exploring the city with fewer crowds than the peak summer period.
June to August
Summer is the busiest travel period, with daytime temperatures often reaching above 29°C. Humidity can make conditions feel warmer, so lightweight and breathable clothing can be useful for sightseeing.
September to October
Early autumn generally remains warm enough for outdoor sightseeing. Conditions become cooler later in the season, and rainfall can increase, making indoor attractions such as museums useful alternatives during wet periods.
November to March
Milan’s winter months can be cold and foggy, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. November is particularly wet, so visitors should be prepared for rain as well as cooler conditions.
Major Events in Milan
Carnevale Ambrosiano
Held in February, Carnevale Ambrosiano features parades, costumes, and music as part of Milan’s pre-Lenten celebrations.
Traditional chiacchiere, fried strips of dough covered with powdered sugar, are commonly associated with the season.
Fiori e Sapori
Fiori e Sapori takes place in April along the Naviglio Grande. The spring event brings together florists, food vendors and local producers, with flowers, wine and artisan food products among the offerings.
Festa del Naviglio
Held in June, Festa del Naviglio focuses on the Navigli canal district. The program includes theatre, dance, traditional music, handicrafts and a torch-lit parade.
Milan on a Budget
Travelers can reduce costs by visiting during the off-season and making use of attractions with free entry.
A meal at a simple restaurant can cost around €20, while a cup of coffee can cost less than €2, based on the supplied travel guidance.
Public transport can provide a lower-cost alternative to taxis, while a short taxi journey is typically priced at under €15 according to the same guide.
Travelers should check current prices before departure because restaurant, transport and taxi costs can change.
Getting Around Milan
Milan has an extensive public transport system covering trams, buses and trains, making it possible to reach many major attractions without relying on taxis.
Visitors planning one or two day itineraries can consider 24 hour or 48 hour multi-journey passes, which provide unlimited travel during the relevant validity period under the applicable transport rules.
The city also has bike lanes and bike-sharing services for travelers who prefer cycling for shorter journeys.
For arrivals at Milan Malpensa, the Malpensa Express provides rail access toward Milan, offering a practical connection between the airport and the city.
What New Riyadh-Milan Route Means for Travelers
The new Riyadh Air service gives passengers a direct connection between Riyadh and Milan four times each week from December 2026.
The Boeing 787-9 operation combines a long-haul aircraft with scheduled service to Milan Malpensa, providing an additional option for travelers between Saudi Arabia and northern Italy.
For visitors from Riyadh, Milan offers a combination of fashion, design, art, food, shopping and historic attractions.
The city’s public transport network and rail connections also make it possible to combine a Milan stay with day trips across northern Italy.
With reservations opened for the December launch, the new route provides a direct travel option for passengers planning business trips, city breaks and leisure journeys between Riyadh and Milan.
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