Manchester Gets a New Non-Stop Riyadh Link
Riyadh Air has launched a new non-stop service between Manchester and the Saudi capital, giving northern England a direct link to Riyadh. The route began on 17 September and becomes the airline’s second UK service after London Heathrow. It also gives Manchester passengers another way into Saudi Arabia, alongside Saudia’s existing Jeddah flights, while opening onward connections across Riyadh Air’s growing Asian network.
What to Know About the New Manchester Route
- Route: Manchester–Riyadh.
- Airline: Riyadh Air.
- Launch date: 17 September 2026.
- Frequency: Three flights weekly.
- Current days: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Outbound: Riyadh 01:30 - Manchester 06:40.
- Return: Manchester 08:40 - Riyadh 17:20.
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9.
- Seasonality: Continues into winter 2026/27.
- Seasonality: No end date has been announced.
Riyadh Air is currently the only airline flying Manchester–Riyadh non-stop, removing the need for a connection through London, Europe or another Gulf hub. The route also gives northern England a direct link to the Saudi capital while feeding into Riyadh Air’s wider network. Saudia already serves Jeddah from Manchester, so the new service adds a second Saudi destination rather than replacing an existing option.
Riyadh itself becomes easier to reach for travellers across northern England, with attractions including the National Museum and UNESCO-listed At-Turaif in Diriyah. The route also feeds into Riyadh Air connections to destinations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Islamabad, making it relevant beyond Saudi city breaks. Manchester also offers straightforward access for travellers based around Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and other parts of the North.
The biggest change is the removal of a connection for people in northern England heading specifically to Riyadh. That can avoid positioning through Heathrow or changing aircraft elsewhere in Europe or the Gulf. Travellers continuing beyond Saudi Arabia should still compare connection times and total journey length, especially when a through itinerary involves a longer layover in Riyadh.