The newly launched national airline of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Air France-KLM, aimed at strengthening global connectivity between Europe and the Middle East.
The agreement, signed during the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting, focuses on building cooperation in key areas such as codeshare agreements, network development, and guest experience enhancements. It will also support increased connectivity between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and other global destinations.
The partnership “marks a pivotal moment for international aviation, particularly in connecting Europe and the Middle East,” the company said in a statement.
Under this agreement, Riyadh Air will capitalise on its central location at King Khalid International Airport, while Air France and KLM will rely on their major European hubs, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol, to expand their joint footprint.
The partnership aims to “increase flight options for passengers travelling between Saudi Arabia and Western Europe,” with long-term plans to extend routes into North and South America, Asia, and other regions in the Middle East.
The statement also said that both airlines are already serving the Saudi capital: “The recent launch of Air France’s Paris-Riyadh service and the ongoing KLM Amsterdam-Riyadh route reflect the growing demand and shared commitment of both carriers.”
Pending regulatory approvals, the collaboration will include mutual route development, aligned scheduling, and codeshare integration to streamline booking and transfers.
“This integrated network strategy is expected to improve connectivity and reduce layover times, enhancing the overall travel experience,” it added.
In addition to connectivity, the MoU outlines the creation of reciprocal loyalty benefits. Passengers will be able to “earn and redeem points across both carriers’ frequent flyer programmes”, an initiative aimed at attracting high-value customers and improving retention.
The two airlines also plan to integrate lounge access, streamline customer service, and offer coordinated support throughout the travel journey.
CEO of Riyadh Air, Tony Douglas, highlighted the broader impact of the alliance, saying it would be “transformative” for the airline’s growth. “This partnership accelerates our international expansion and enhances guest experience through innovation and excellence,” he said.
CEO of Air France-KLM Group, Benjamin Smith, described the MoU as “a timely opportunity to deepen our presence in Saudi Arabia,” adding that, with Air France, KLM, and Transavia already operating in the Kingdom, “this cooperation further expands our influence in the Gulf region.”
