Wedoany.com Report on Feb 25th, Saudi Arabia's startup airline Riyadh Air has announced Cairo as its third passenger destination, marking a further expansion of its competition in the Middle East's short-haul aviation market. The route is planned to operate daily between King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh and Cairo International Airport (CAI) using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, placing Cairo alongside London Heathrow and Dubai as part of its initial network.

CEO Tony Douglas stated, "This route has been carefully selected to serve a key market, aligning with our goal of becoming a global destination and contributing to Vision 2030." Riyadh Air's expansion plan aims to enhance its coverage within the Middle Eastern route network and meet growing passenger demand.

According to OAG flight schedule analysis, eight airlines currently operate the RUH-CAI route, including Saudia, flynas, and EgyptAir. In the 12 months leading up to June 2025, the Riyadh-Cairo route saw a two-way passenger flow of 2.15 million, a 3% year-on-year increase, with approximately 95% of travelers opting for direct flights, reflecting strong market demand.

Riyadh Air is advancing towards full scheduled operations, although aircraft delivery delays have impacted the launch of regular passenger services. As part of its operational readiness, the airline has conducted limited flight operations between Riyadh and London Heathrow using a former Oman Air 787-9. Riyadh Air plans to receive one 787-9 aircraft per month, having ordered 39 of this model with an additional 33 options.

Regarding fleet development, Riyadh Air has also ordered up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 and 60 A321neo aircraft. The company aims to serve over 100 destinations by 2030, initially focusing on long-haul services, with flights within Saudi Arabia expected to begin in the second half of 2026 following A321neo deliveries. This move will strengthen its competitiveness in the Middle Eastern route network.