Riyadh: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's national carrier wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched its inaugural direct flights to Manchester today in collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP). Manchester is the airline's second destination in the United Kingdom, following the launch of its London service on June 10.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the route was developed under the ACP to expand international routes and seat capacity to priority markets. The flights operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, connecting travelers from northern England directly with Riyadh and offering onward connections across the carrier's growing network.

The new service is expected to strengthen relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom while facilitating business, educational, sports, and leisure travel. Manchester, as a prominent trade and sporting center, represents a strategic expansion into northern England, complementing the carrier's existing London service.

The addition of Manchester broadens travel options between the two countries, strengthens international air connectivity, and reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics and aviation hub in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.