Riyadh Air will launch direct flights between Riyadh and Madrid on 17 July 2026 as the Saudi Arabian carrier moves closer to full international operations.
The new route will operate three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Flights will connect King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with Madrid-Barajas Airport Terminal 1.
The Madrid service is part of Riyadh Air’s initial network rollout, which focuses on major international business and leisure markets across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The airline is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and forms a central part of the country’s Vision 2030 tourism and aviation strategy.
Schedule data published by aviation industry sources shows outbound flight RX531 departing Riyadh at 02:00 and arriving in Madrid at 07:55 local time. The return flight RX532 is expected to leave Madrid at 10:05 and land in Riyadh at 17:20.
Riyadh Air has positioned itself as a future rival to major Gulf carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. The airline plans to build a broad international network from Riyadh while targeting transit passengers travelling between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Madrid is one of 15 destinations identified in the airline’s early expansion plans. Other planned European routes include London Heathrow, Manchester and Paris Charles de Gaulle. In Asia and the Middle East, the airline has outlined destinations including Dubai, Cairo, Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Islamabad.
The launch gives Madrid another direct connection to Saudi Arabia as Gulf airlines continue expanding across Europe. The route is expected to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, particularly as Saudi Arabia increases investment in tourism, events and international connectivity.
Riyadh Air unveiled its branding and aircraft cabin concepts in recent months and has ordered large numbers of new-generation aircraft as it prepares for long-term growth. The carrier aims to help transform Riyadh into a major global aviation hub over the coming decade.
The addition of Madrid also strengthens Spain’s growing air links with the Gulf region. Madrid-Barajas Airport has continued to expand its long-haul network in recent years as airlines compete for international transit and tourism traffic.
Further details regarding fares, onboard products and future frequency increases are expected closer to the official launch date.
