India Becomes Riyadh Air’s Key Focus as CEO Leads Delegation for Strategic Partnerships

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas leads a delegation to India for high-level talks, strengthening aviation ties ahead of the airline’s 2025 launch. With India projected to be Saudi Arabia’s top tourism source market by 2030, the visit focuses on partnerships, regulatory approvals, and expanding connectivity between the two nations.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – March 2025 – Riyadh Air is taking a significant step toward expanding its global footprint, with CEO Tony Douglas leading a delegation to India for high-level discussions on potential partnerships. As the airline prepares to launch operations later this year, India remains a strategic focus, with projections indicating it will become Saudi Arabia’s top tourism source market by 2030.

With an ambitious goal of attracting 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by the end of the decade, the Saudi Tourism Authority is leveraging key initiatives that have already driven a 50 percent surge in Indian travelers to Saudi Arabia, surpassing 1.5 million visitors in 2023.

Strengthening Aviation Ties

The Riyadh Air delegation is scheduled to meet Indian aviation authorities, including officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from March 12 to 14, 2025. These meetings will focus on obtaining regulatory approvals and strengthening aviation ties to ensure a smooth launch of operations in India.

Additionally, Douglas will engage in discussions with IndiGo and Air India, India’s leading airlines, exploring potential collaborations that could enhance connectivity and streamline operations between the two nations.

India’s Role in Riyadh Air’s Growth

Douglas also highlighted Riyadh Air’s commitment to innovation, stating that the airline, as the world’s first digital-native carrier, aims to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship with Indian aviation stakeholders.

Bird Travels Appointed as Exclusive Sales Partner

In a strategic move to enhance its brand presence in India, Riyadh Air has appointed Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner. With deep expertise in the Indian travel market, Bird Travels will play a critical role in promoting Riyadh Air’s services and strengthening its visibility across the country.

Vision 2030 and Riyadh Air’s Impact

Riyadh Air is a key player in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to boost the nation’s non-oil GDP by $20 billion while creating over 200,000 new jobs globally and locally. The airline’s ambitious roadmap includes servicing over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, cementing its role as a catalyst for economic diversification and job creation.

As Riyadh Air gears up for its official launch, the airline’s growing collaboration with India marks a major milestone in strengthening bilateral ties, boosting tourism, and unlocking new opportunities for travelers and businesses across both nations.