Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is entering a period of expansion, with new and established carriers looking to broaden domestic connectivity while strengthening links to international markets.

The country has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets and is establishing itself as a leading aviation hub in the Middle East. Under Vision 2030, it is investing more than USD 100 billion in aviation infrastructure and ecosystem development.

Against this backdrop, Riyadh Air and Saudia airlines began the first phase of a strategic cooperation agreement designed to integrate their networks and improve connections for passengers travelling within and through the kingdom.

The initial phase links Riyadh Air to Saudia’s passenger service system, allowing the two carriers to implement a codeshare arrangement across their respective technology platforms. Riyadh Air will add its “RX” code to Saudia flights operating from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to six domestic destinations: Abha, Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, and Tabuk.

The codeshare is intended to expand travel options between regions of Saudi Arabia and support connections between Riyadh Air’s domestic and international schedules and Saudia’s network. The arrangement also aligns connecting flights with Riyadh Air’s arrival and departure schedules at King Khalid International Airport, providing passengers with greater flexibility when transferring between services.

Both airlines operate from Terminals 1–4 at the airport. Passengers travelling on connecting itineraries will be able to book flights under a single ticket and check baggage through to their final destination, simplifying transfers between the two carriers.

The agreement represents an initial step in a broader partnership between Riyadh Air and Saudia. Further cooperation could expand the scope of network integration and connectivity as the relationship develops, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to increase air travel capacity and strengthen connections between domestic destinations and international markets.

FLYNAS ACQUISITION

Saudi Arabia is building a world class transportation network that connects the kingdom to the rest of the world. This includes finding global assets that can accelerate the strategy and link back to the country.

In September, flynas and Swissport, a global leader in aviation services, entered into a long-term strategic equity transaction and commercial partnership, marking a significant milestone for both companies.

As Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, flynas has played a significant role in supporting these ambitions by expanding domestic and international connectivity, increasing access to air travel and supporting the growth of leisure and business travel.

Under the agreement, Swissport Saudi Arabia will become flynas’ exclusive ground-handling partner for five years across the country’s entire network. As part of the transaction, flynas will acquire a 10% equity stake in Swissport Saudi Arabia, with an option to increase its shareholding to up to 20%.

Following the agreement, Swissport’s share of Saudi Arabia’s ground-handling market is expected to rise to nearly 40%, reinforcing its position as one of the key players supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The agreement also strengthens Swissport’s position in airport ground services, air cargo handling and airport hospitality globally.

In July 2026, flynas confirmed the purchase of five A330neo wide-body aircraft and 20 A321neo aircraft under its existing agreements with Airbus, bringing its confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft out of a total orderbook of 280 aircraft. The orders support the airline’s growth and expansion plans in the coming years.

The partnership is expected to substantially increase Swissport’s operations in the kingdom, strengthening its market presence and providing a platform for further expansion. It also underscores both companies’ confidence in the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry and their shared commitment to operational excellence and the objectives of Vision 2030.

WOMEN ASCEND

Women are also contributing to Saudi Arabia’s aviation success. In August, the first group of Saudi female aircraft maintenance engineers at Riyadh Air’s headquarters graduated, reflecting the airline's commitment to developing and empowering national talent in one of the aviation industry's most critical fields.

As many as 26 engineers successfully completed the diploma course under the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program, launched by Riyadh Air in cooperation with Colleges of Excellence and the International Aviation Technical College at Riyadh.

The programme, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, aims to develop local talent and prepare Saudi women to work in the field in accordance with the highest international standards. It also contributes to building an advanced national aircraft maintenance ecosystem and enhancing the global competitiveness of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector.