Riyadh Air Debuts International Service and Hafawa Lounge

Saudi Arabia’s newest carrier, Riyadh Air, began operating international flights in October, initially linking its hub at King Khalid International Airport with London Heathrow. Public booking opened in June, followed by the launch of routes to Cairo, Dubai and Malaga, with further connections to Manchester, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Dhaka slated for the coming weeks.

A reviewer flew the inaugural Madrid service and detailed the airline’s Hafawa Lounge, a 2,000‑square‑metre facility designed by Yabu Pushelberg. The lounge greets guests with coffee and dates and features desert‑inspired décor, a social dining area offering Arabic mezze, and an executive dining room serving a‑la‑carte dishes such as shrimp machbous and beef fillet. Mocktails like “Lavender Haze,” referencing the airline’s signature scent, are also available.