Riyadh Air Launches Daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Service From Riyadh to London Heathrow Starting July 1, 2026: Flights RX401 and RX402 Open for Public Booking as Saudi Arabia's New Airline Enters Full Commercial Operations

Riyadh Air has opened full public sales for daily nonstop service between Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR) using brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with commercial operations from 1 July 2026. Tickets went on sale on 19 May 2026 via the Riyadh Air app, riyadhair.com and approved travel providers. The two daily flight numbers are RX401 (RUH→LHR) departing Riyadh at 02:35 and arriving Heathrow at 07:30 local time, and RX402 (LHR→RUH) departing Heathrow at 09:35 and arriving Riyadh at 18:05.

"Transforming the future of travel," Riyadh Air says, positioning its new-build 787-9 fleet as the start of the carrier's full commercial era and framing the onboard experience as an introduction to Saudi culture through cabin design and hospitality.

Context and operational detail

Before the July launch, Riyadh Air ran a preparatory programme — titled Pathway to Perfect — operating daily London services since 26 October 2025 using a technical spare aircraft named Jamila. Those Jamila flights were described as limited in scope and primarily targeted at internal and partner audiences to refine crew procedures, ground handling and to retain Heathrow slot positions. Jamila services will remain available for booking through approved travel partners until 30 June 2026.

• Airline: Riyadh Air
• Route: Riyadh (RUH) ↔ London Heathrow (LHR)
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (new-build fleet)
• Frequency: Daily
• Commercial launch date: 1 July 2026
• Ticket sales open: 19 May 2026 via Riyadh Air app, riyadhair.com and approved travel providers
• Preparatory operations: Daily since 26 October 2025 (Jamila, Pathway to Perfect)

The 787-9 service is described as featuring a multi-cabin layout with lie-flat seating in premium cabins and "enhanced comfort" across the aircraft, with Saudi cultural touches integrated into cabin aesthetics. Riyadh Air’s tagline, "Born in Saudi. Built for the world," underlines the carrier’s ambition to compete with established Gulf premium operators on product quality from day one.

Sfeer loyalty programme and booking guidance

Alongside the launch Riyadh Air is promoting Sfeer, its digital-first loyalty programme, inviting travelers to enroll as Founding Members. The airline bills Sfeer as "a new way to live, explore and be rewarded." Key features publicised include non-expiring Sfeer Points redeemable for travel and lifestyle rewards, Level Points toward tier progression, and promised complimentary onboard Wi‑Fi. The carrier also offers a Best Offer Guaranteed incentive for passengers who book directly through its app or website.

Passengers currently booked on Jamila services through 30 June should confirm whether bookings transition automatically to 787-9 flights on 1 July or require rebooking. For business travelers, RX401’s 07:30 Heathrow arrival enables morning meetings in London; leisure passengers will benefit from RX402’s 09:35 departure from Heathrow, avoiding predawn check-ins.

As Riyadh Air moves from its Pathway to Perfect shakedown into full commercial operations, the Riyadh–London corridor will serve as the public launch platform for the airline’s new-build 787-9 fleet and the commercial rollout of Sfeer membership benefits.