{"id":2053489,"date":"2026-07-21T09:02:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T06:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2053489"},"modified":"2026-07-21T09:02:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T06:02:39","slug":"riyadh-air-review-i-flew-to-madrid-on-the-worlds-newest-airline-heres-what-it-was-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2053489","title":{"rendered":"Riyadh Air review: I flew to Madrid on the world\u2019s newest airline \u2013 here\u2019s what it was like"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/1200x675_cmsv2_e0d358ce-2bee-52e2-9952-8acb8b04725c-9845328.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2911280-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2911280\" data-cid=\"9844567\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911280-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/45\/67\/189x106_cmsv2_e1c18f12-e7b1-543b-9d8a-80ac4fc21ea2-9844567.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Construction workers work on a street during a hot day in Madrid, Spain, 27 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    One in five EU jobs classed as vulnerable and Spain tops the list\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911176-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2911176\" data-cid=\"9844118\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911176-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/41\/18\/189x106_cmsv2_a7d08b2b-844b-5430-803d-649a5beb7351-9844118.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Theatro Ventidio Basso in Ascoli Piceno, Italy\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Historic Italian theatres vying for UNESCO&#8217;s World Heritage status\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911341-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2911341\" data-cid=\"9844858\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911341-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/48\/40\/189x106_cmsv2_e98caed8-3a4a-5761-ba30-b6dd91a874a8-9844840.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Argentina&apos;s Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi and Nahuel Molina clash with Spain&apos;s Rodri (16) after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    FIFA investigates Argentina over World Cup final incidents\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911433-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2911433\" data-cid=\"9845345\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911433-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/52\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_859300f4-fe5a-50c6-939f-6bf437d5a62b-9845269.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President Donald Trump walks over to stand next to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, left, for the group photo during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Journalist behind Trump-Meloni row Daniele Compatangelo dies suddenly\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911280-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2911280\" data-cid=\"9844567\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911280-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/45\/67\/189x106_cmsv2_e1c18f12-e7b1-543b-9d8a-80ac4fc21ea2-9844567.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Construction workers work on a street during a hot day in Madrid, Spain, 27 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    One in five EU jobs classed as vulnerable and Spain tops the list\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911176-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2911176\" data-cid=\"9844118\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911176-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/41\/18\/189x106_cmsv2_a7d08b2b-844b-5430-803d-649a5beb7351-9844118.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Theatro Ventidio Basso in Ascoli Piceno, Italy\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Historic Italian theatres vying for UNESCO&#8217;s World Heritage status\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911341-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2911341\" data-cid=\"9844858\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911341-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/48\/40\/189x106_cmsv2_e98caed8-3a4a-5761-ba30-b6dd91a874a8-9844840.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Argentina&apos;s Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi and Nahuel Molina clash with Spain&apos;s Rodri (16) after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    FIFA investigates Argentina over World Cup final incidents\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911433-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2911433\" data-cid=\"9845345\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2911433-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/52\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_859300f4-fe5a-50c6-939f-6bf437d5a62b-9845269.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"President Donald Trump walks over to stand next to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, left, for the group photo during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Journalist behind Trump-Meloni row Daniele Compatangelo dies suddenly\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Travel<\/p>\n<p>                          Moments<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Riyadh Air review: I flew to Madrid on the world\u2019s newest airline \u2013 here\u2019s what it was like<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/1536x864_cmsv2_e0d358ce-2bee-52e2-9952-8acb8b04725c-9845328.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Riyadh Air&apos;s cabin design features shades of purple throughout, as well as nods to the sand dunes of Saudi Arabia\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Riyadh Air&#8217;s cabin design features shades of purple throughout, as well as nods to the sand dunes of Saudi Arabia<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Dianne Apen-Sadler\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspDianne Apen-Sadler\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1784624559\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-21 11:02:39 +02:00\">21\/07\/2026 &#8211; 11:02 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay 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height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Riyadh Air\u2019s business class offering is seriously impressive, and the Hafawa Lounge at King Khalid International might just be the Middle East\u2019s best airport lounge.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--travel js-article-content\">\n<p>Starting an airline from scratch is no small feat, but it\u2019s particularly bold to do so in the Middle East, already home to big hitters like Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Riyadh Air burst onto the scene late last year when it began operating flights between its base at King Khalid International Airport and London Heathrow in October.<\/p>\n<p>It wasn\u2019t until June that these flights were available to book by the general public, but since then, new flight route announcements have been coming in thick and fast.<\/p>\n<p>The airline has already begun operating routes from Riyadh to Cairo, Dubai and M\u00e1laga; flights to destinations including Manchester, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Dhakar will begin in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n<p>I was lucky enough to be on board the inaugural flight to Madrid \u2013 here\u2019s what I thought.<\/p>\n<h2>Hafawa Lounge: The Middle East\u2019s best airport lounge?<\/h2>\n<p>The Riyadh Air experience begins with a visit to Hafawa Lounge at King Khalid International Airport\u2019s Terminal 2.<\/p>\n<p>The lounge takes its name from the Arabic word for \u201cwarm welcome\u201d, something that is an important part of Saudi culture, and you certainly feel that as you are offered coffee and dates upon arrival.<\/p>\n<p>Designed by Yabu Pushelberg studio, the space was inspired by the Saudi desert; think warm sandy tones, and undulating lines throughout.<\/p>\n<p>Spanning nearly 2,000 square meters, the lounge is spread across several rooms, allowing you to choose the setting that suits your mood.<\/p>\n<p>For more of a classic airport lounge experience, you can visit the social dining room, which offers a buffet with Arabic mezze like hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh, plus hot dishes like lamb kofta and seabass sayadiya alongside a selection of breads, cheeses and desserts.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a bit more time to relax ahead of a flight, our pick would be the executive dining room, which offers \u00e0 la carte plates like prawn machbous, beef tenderloin, and mushroom ravioli.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/808x608_cmsv2_4b750ec8-13b7-59ac-95c4-b50e21dc7035-9845328.jpg\" alt=\"There are plenty of rooms to choose from within the Hafawa Lounge in Riyadh, like the beverage corner, pictured\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">There are plenty of rooms to choose from within the Hafawa Lounge in Riyadh, like the beverage corner, pictured<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/808x608_cmsv2_04f8e1a4-8aa8-5e90-ac5c-4983cba6654c-9845328.jpg\" alt=\"The social dining area offers a classic lounge buffet\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The social dining area offers a classic lounge buffet<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/808x608_cmsv2_249d7714-a37c-5f2c-9014-64861a89108e-9845328.jpg\" alt=\"You can also order \u00e0 la carte plates at the Executive Dining space\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">You can also order \u00e0 la carte plates at the Executive Dining space<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>I ordered the burrata salad to start, followed by paneer tikka, both of which were excellent. <\/p>\n<p>After eating, I made a beeline for the beverage corner. Here, you can order non-alcoholic wines or beers, as well as mocktails, like the Lavender Haze which is a nod to Riyadh Air\u2019s signature scent.<\/p>\n<p>The lounge feels like a reprieve from the intensity of the airport, with soft lounge music playing throughout the space. You really feel the contrast when visiting the outdoor part of the lounge that overlooks the terminal.<\/p>\n<p>There are also private rooms for those who want a bit of shut eye, as well as massage chairs and showers.<\/p>\n<p>Riyadh Air plans to open another Hafawa Lounge at London Heathrow\u2019s Terminal 4, although the timeline for this has yet to be announced.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.562\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/808x454_cmsv2_e46544fa-8c33-5de7-b9bd-06427126d653-9845328.jpg\" alt=\"The business class suites all have a &quot;canopy twist&quot; above them\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The business class suites all have a &#8220;canopy twist&#8221; above them<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/808x608_cmsv2_fc603db6-5773-51ce-817b-d1f1749308ac-9845328.jpg\" alt=\"The screen door offers complete privacy\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The screen door offers complete privacy<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Experience on board<\/h2>\n<p>A lot of thought has gone into making the cabin feel distinct from other airlines, from the \u201ccanopy twist\u201d above each of the business class seats to the use of shades of purple throughout. <\/p>\n<p>The space feels warm and welcoming thanks to the number of textures deployed, like the detailing on the seat and the marble patterning on the table, and also private, thanks to the screen door. <\/p>\n<p>Riyadh Air spent eight months perfecting the service while operating flights to and from London for staff, and it shows.<\/p>\n<p>It feels like a space that has been designed by a frequent flyer for frequent flyers \u2013 everything you could possibly want has already been thought of.<\/p>\n<p>Within the suite itself, you have two USB-C charging ports, one USB-A port, and a regular UK type G socket. <\/p>\n<p>Headphones are offered, but if you don\u2019t want to use them, you can connect your own headphones to the screen through Bluetooth. And if you don\u2019t want to use headphones, you don\u2019t have to, because there are speakers in the headrest.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/808x608_cmsv2_1e21b9a3-a69f-5caf-ac07-d4ecf67685b8-9845328.jpg\" alt=\"The screen on board is 32 inches, and there are all the latest titles in the in-flight entertainment system\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The screen on board is 32 inches, and there are all the latest titles in the in-flight entertainment system<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/808x608_cmsv2_aacee382-1d5f-5c40-a10d-3c36eeead91d-9845328.jpg\" alt=\"The amenity kit features items from Saudi-owned wellness brand Kayanee\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The amenity kit features items from Saudi-owned wellness brand Kayanee<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.562\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/808x454_cmsv2_cccd5ecb-dd97-589c-8ae8-3889d949f27f-9845328.jpg\" alt=\"My morning started with an amuse bouche (a very extra touch), French toast and coffee\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">My morning started with an amuse bouche (a very extra touch), French toast and coffee<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Dianne Apen-Sadler<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The screen is massive, at 32 inches, and the in-flight entertainment system has all the latest releases you could possibly want.<\/p>\n<p>One of our favourite features is part of the flight map \u2013 nearby cities are highlighted, and the screen pulls information from Wikipedia about that destination. <\/p>\n<p>The amenity kit has lip balm, hand cream, face cream and face mist all from the Saudi-owned wellness brand Kayanee, as well as ear plugs, an eye mask, and a toothbrush with Marvis toothpaste.<\/p>\n<p>As my flight was at 2am, I opted to skip the evening meal in favour of going to sleep. The Safran Unity seat converts to a lie-flat bed, and the thick mattress pad makes for a seriously comfy nap.<\/p>\n<p>I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to eat, with my choice of breakfast being French toast, some pastries, and a fruit platter, all of which was just as tasty as the lounge food.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, the experience on Riyadh Air was exceptional, which is seriously impressive for such a new airline.<\/p>\n<h2>Why European travellers should book Riyadh Air<\/h2>\n<p>Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia\u2019s second flag carrier, after Saudia, which is based out of Jeddah. While it is unusual to have two flag carriers, it\u2019s not without precedent \u2013 Japan has both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, while the UAE has both Emirates and Etihad Airlines.<\/p>\n<p>The Middle East is a popular transit hub for European travellers heading to Asia or Africa, and Riyadh Air is certainly a worthy alternative to other more established airlines in the region.<\/p>\n<p>While destinations at the moment are limited, Riyadh Air has said it plans to operate flights to more than 100 cities by 2030.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span 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class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Wildlife holiday bucket list: The animals travellers want to see most<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2910007-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2910007\" data-cid=\"9838728\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Running holidays: Europe&#8217;s best destinations for a &#8216;runcation&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2911216-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2911216\" data-cid=\"9844279\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Eurail and Interrail explained: How Europe&#8217;s rail passes work<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Starting an airline from scratch is no small feat, but it\u2019s particularly bold to do so in the Middle East, already home to big hitters like Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.Riyadh Air burst onto the scene late last year when it began operating flights between its base at King Khalid International Airport and London Heathrow in October.It wasn\u2019t until June that these flights were available to book by the general public, but since then, new flight route announcements have been coming in thick and fast.The airline has already begun operating routes from Riyadh to Cairo, Dubai and M\u00e1laga; flights to destinations including Manchester, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Dhakar will begin in the coming weeks.I was lucky enough to be on board the inaugural flight to Madrid \u2013 here\u2019s what I thought.Hafawa Lounge: The Middle East\u2019s best airport lounge?The Riyadh Air experience begins with a visit to Hafawa Lounge at King Khalid International Airport\u2019s Terminal 2.The lounge takes its name from the Arabic word for \u201cwarm welcome\u201d, something that is an important part of Saudi culture, and you certainly feel that as you are offered coffee and dates upon arrival.Designed by Yabu Pushelberg studio, the space was inspired by the Saudi desert; think warm sandy tones, and undulating lines throughout.Spanning nearly 2,000 square meters, the lounge is spread across several rooms, allowing you to choose the setting that suits your mood.For more of a classic airport lounge experience, you can visit the social dining room, which offers a buffet with Arabic mezze like hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh, plus hot dishes like lamb kofta and seabass sayadiya alongside a selection of breads, cheeses and desserts.If you have a bit more time to relax ahead of a flight, our pick would be the executive dining room, which offers \u00e0 la carte plates like prawn machbous, beef tenderloin, and mushroom ravioli.I ordered the burrata salad to start, followed by paneer tikka, both of which were excellent.\u00a0After eating, I made a beeline for the beverage corner. Here, you can order non-alcoholic wines or beers, as well as mocktails, like the Lavender Haze which is a nod to Riyadh Air\u2019s signature scent.The lounge feels like a reprieve from the intensity of the airport, with soft lounge music playing throughout the space. You really feel the contrast when visiting the outdoor part of the lounge that overlooks the terminal.There are also private rooms for those who want a bit of shut eye, as well as massage chairs and showers.Riyadh Air plans to open another Hafawa Lounge at London Heathrow\u2019s Terminal 4, although the timeline for this has yet to be announced.Experience on boardA lot of thought has gone into making the cabin feel distinct from other airlines, from the \u201ccanopy twist\u201d above each of the business class seats to the use of shades of purple throughout.\u00a0The space feels warm and welcoming thanks to the number of textures deployed, like the detailing on the seat and the marble patterning on the table, and also private, thanks to the screen door.\u00a0Riyadh Air spent eight months perfecting the service while operating flights to and from London for staff, and it shows.It feels like a space that has been designed by a frequent flyer for frequent flyers \u2013 everything you could possibly want has already been thought of.Within the suite itself, you have two USB-C charging ports, one USB-A port, and a regular UK type G socket.\u00a0Headphones are offered, but if you don\u2019t want to use them, you can connect your own headphones to the screen through Bluetooth. And if you don\u2019t want to use headphones, you don\u2019t have to, because there are speakers in the headrest.The screen is massive, at 32 inches, and the in-flight entertainment system has all the latest releases you could possibly want.One of our favourite features is part of the flight map \u2013 nearby cities are highlighted, and the screen pulls information from Wikipedia about that destination.\u00a0The amenity kit has lip balm, hand cream, face cream and face mist all from the Saudi-owned wellness brand Kayanee, as well as ear plugs, an eye mask, and a toothbrush with Marvis toothpaste.As my flight was at 2am, I opted to skip the evening meal in favour of going to sleep. The Safran Unity seat converts to a lie-flat bed, and the thick mattress pad makes for a seriously comfy nap.I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to eat, with my choice of breakfast being French toast, some pastries, and a fruit platter, all of which was just as tasty as the lounge food.Overall, the experience on Riyadh Air was exceptional, which is seriously impressive for such a new airline.Why European travellers should book Riyadh AirRiyadh Air is Saudi Arabia\u2019s second flag carrier, after Saudia, which is based out of Jeddah. While it is unusual to have two flag carriers, it\u2019s not without precedent \u2013 Japan has both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, while the UAE has both Emirates and Etihad Airlines.The Middle East is a popular transit hub for European travellers heading to Asia or Africa, and Riyadh Air is certainly a worthy alternative to other more established airlines in the region.While destinations at the moment are limited, Riyadh Air has said it plans to operate flights to more than 100 cities by 2030.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2026\/07\/21\/riyadh-air-review-i-flew-to-madrid-on-the-worlds-newest-airline-heres-what-it-was-like&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/84\/53\/28\/1200x675_cmsv2_e0d358ce-2bee-52e2-9952-8acb8b04725c-9845328.jpg&#8221;] Economy One in five EU jobs classed as vulnerable and Spain tops the list Culture news Historic Italian theatres vying for UNESCO&#8217;s World Heritage status Sport FIFA investigates Argentina over World Cup final incidents Europe News Journalist behind Trump-Meloni row Daniele Compatangelo dies suddenly Economy One in five EU jobs classed as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2053489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2053489","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2053489"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2053489\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2053489"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2053489"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2053489"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}