Launching a new airline in the Gulf is a bold move, given the dominance of Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new flag carrier, began operations in October 2024 with flights from its base at King Khalid International Airport to London Heathrow. By June 2025, tickets were available to the public, and the airline has since added routes to Cairo, Dubai, Málaga, and, most recently, Madrid. I joined the inaugural flight to Madrid to see whether Riyadh Air can compete with its established neighbours.
Hafawa Lounge: A Desert-Inspired Oasis
The journey starts at the Hafawa Lounge in Terminal 2 of King Khalid International. The name comes from the Arabic word for “warm welcome,” and the greeting—coffee and dates upon arrival—reflects Saudi hospitality. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the 2,000-square-metre space draws inspiration from the Saudi desert, with warm sandy tones and flowing lines.
The lounge is divided into several zones. The social dining room offers a buffet with Arabic mezze (hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh) and hot dishes such as lamb kofta and seabass sayadiya. For a quieter experience, the executive dining room serves à la carte plates like prawn machbous, beef tenderloin, and mushroom ravioli. I ordered burrata salad followed by paneer tikka—both were excellent.
The beverage corner serves non-alcoholic wines, beers, and mocktails, including the Lavender Haze, a nod to the airline’s signature scent. There are also private rooms for rest, massage chairs, and showers. The lounge feels like a calm refuge from the terminal bustle. Riyadh Air plans to open a second Hafawa Lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4, though no timeline has been announced.
Business Class: Designed for Frequent Flyers
On board, the business-class cabin stands out with a “canopy twist” above each seat and shades of purple throughout. The design uses textures—detailing on the seat, marble patterning on the table—to create a warm, private space. A screen door adds privacy. Riyadh Air spent eight months refining the service during staff-only flights to London, and it shows.
Each suite includes two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a UK-style socket. The 32-inch screen offers the latest films and TV shows. A clever feature: the flight map highlights nearby cities and pulls information from Wikipedia. You can connect your own headphones via Bluetooth, or use the speakers built into the headrest. The amenity kit contains products from Saudi-owned wellness brand Kayanee.
Service was attentive without being intrusive. My morning began with an amuse-bouche, French toast, and coffee. The airline’s attention to detail—from the canopy twist to the curated playlist—makes the cabin feel distinct. For European travellers, Riyadh Air offers a new option for connections to Asia and the Middle East, though it faces stiff competition from Gulf carriers. The Madrid route, launched in July 2025, is a direct link between the Saudi capital and a key European hub. As the airline expands to Manchester, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, and Dhaka, it will be worth watching how it positions itself against established rivals.
