India Emerges As Priority For Riyadh Air With New Expansion Plans And Distribution Partner

India becomes a key focus for Riyadh Air as it explores strategic partnerships, strengthens aviation ties, and appoints an exclusive distribution partner. Riyadh Air is making a decisive move to strengthen its presence in India as CEO Tony Douglas leads a high-level delegation on a crucial visit from March 12 to 14, 2025. This visit is designed to establish strategic partnerships, expand business opportunities, and solidify the airline’s position in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets. The delegation’s itinerary includes high-stakes meetings with Air India and IndiGo, the country’s two largest airlines, as well as discussions with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to explore regulatory frameworks and collaboration opportunities that will facilitate Riyadh Air’s entry into the Indian market. As Riyadh Air prepares for its official commercial launch later this year, India has been identified as a critical element in its global expansion strategy. Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious goal to make India its largest tourism source market by 2030, aligning with the nation’s broader Vision 2030 economic transformation plan. The Saudi Tourism Authority has outlined plans to welcome 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by the end of the decade, recognizing the immense potential of India’s growing outbound travel sector. The surge in Indian travelers to Saudi Arabia in recent years further underscores this potential, with visitor numbers soaring by 50 percent in 2023 to exceed 1.5 million. This growth reflects the impact of strategic initiatives between the two nations, including increased flight connectivity, simplified visa procedures, and strengthened diplomatic and economic ties.