MIn a significant move to bolster international travel between the Middle East and Europe, Riyadh Air and the Air France-KLM Group have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 2025 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in New Delhi. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity across key global hubs and provide passengers with a seamless travel experience.
The partnership focuses on strengthening network connectivity through codeshare agreements, schedule alignment, and reciprocal loyalty programs. By leveraging Riyadh Air’s hub at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Air France-KLM’s hubs at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol airports, the airlines plan to offer more travel options and improved connections for passengers traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and beyond.
Beyond route connectivity, the MoU outlines plans for joint initiatives in various operational areas, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, digital transformation, sustainability efforts, and cargo operations. The collaboration also aims to enhance the guest experience by exploring opportunities for reciprocal benefits in loyalty programs, lounge access, and operational support.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM—a leader in global aviation—will accelerate our vision to deliver exceptional experiences and redefine air travel through innovation and operational excellence.”
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, noting, “Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a key aviation market. With our three brands—Air France, KLM, and Transavia—now serving the country, this new agreement with Riyadh Air allows us to continue strengthening our presence in the region and offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience.”
This partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global aviation hub. Riyadh Air, launched in 2023 and owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is set to become a digitally led, full-service airline, connecting passengers to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
As the airline industry continues to recover and expand, this strategic alliance between Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM is poised to enhance global connectivity, offering passengers more travel options and improved services across continents.
