Riyadh Air review: I flew to Madrid on the world’s newest airline – here’s what it was like

Riyadh Air review: First Impressions: Flying with Riyadh Air to Madrid Poinews.com – Launching a carrier from the ground up demands considerable

First Impressions: Flying with Riyadh Air to Madrid

Poinews.com – Launching a carrier from the ground up demands considerable ambition, yet doing so within the Middle East—a region already dominated by industry giants such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad—represents an especially daring move. Riyadh Air entered the aviation landscape toward the end of last year, initiating services connecting its headquarters at King Khalid International Airport with London Heathrow starting in October. While reservations for everyday travelers only became possible in June, the carrier has since unveiled numerous new destinations at a rapid pace. Services to Cairo, Dubai, and Málaga are already underway, while journeys to Manchester, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, and Dhakar are scheduled to commence shortly. I had the opportunity to experience the maiden journey to Madrid, and here are my observations.

The Hafawa Lounge Experience

Your journey with Riyadh Air commences at the Hafawa Lounge, situated within Terminal 2 of King Khalid International Airport. Drawing its name from the Arabic term meaning “warm welcome,” the space embodies a cornerstone of Saudi hospitality, immediately evident when guests receive coffee and dates upon entering. Created by the Yabu Pushelberg design studio, the interior reflects inspiration from the Saudi desert, featuring sandy hues and flowing architectural lines. Covering almost 2,000 square meters, the lounge distributes across multiple areas, giving passengers flexibility to select an atmosphere matching their preferences.

For those seeking a traditional terminal lounge ambiance, the social dining room presents a buffet featuring Arabic mezze selections including hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh, complemented by hot offerings such as lamb kofta and seabass sayadiya, along with various breads, cheeses, and sweet treats. Should you possess additional time before departure, the executive dining room stands out as an excellent choice, serving à la carte selections like prawn machbous, beef tenderloin, and mushroom ravioli. During my visit, I sampled a burrata salad followed by paneer tikka, both proving exceptional.

Following my meal, I headed directly to the beverage station. Visitors can request non-alcoholic wines, beers, and mocktails, including the Lavender Haze—a creation reflecting Riyadh Air’s distinctive fragrance. The atmosphere provides a welcome respite from the airport’s hustle, enhanced by gentle background music. Stepping outside reveals a striking contrast, with the outdoor section offering views over the terminal. Additional amenities include private rest rooms, massage chairs, and shower facilities. The airline intends to establish a second Hafawa Lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4, though no official schedule has been confirmed yet.

Cabin Design and Amenities

Considerable attention has been invested in differentiating the cabin environment from competing carriers. Business class passengers will notice the “canopy twist” feature positioned above each seat, alongside a consistent use of purple tones throughout. The combination of varied textures—such as seat detailing and marble-patterned tables—creates a welcoming yet intimate atmosphere, further enhanced by the screen door. Riyadh Air dedicated eight months to refining its service model while conducting test flights between Riyadh and London for employees, and this dedication is apparent. The design clearly caters to seasoned travelers, anticipating nearly every need.

Inside the suite, passengers find two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a standard UK type G electrical outlet. While headphones are provided, Bluetooth connectivity allows personal devices to link directly to the display. For those preferring not to use headphones, built-in speakers within the headrest offer an alternative. The entertainment screen measures an impressive 32 inches and features current movie and television releases. A particularly appealing element is the flight map, which highlights nearby cities and retrieves Wikipedia information about each destination.

The amenity kit contains products from Kayanee, a wellness company owned by Saudi interests, including lip balm, hand cream, face cream, and face mist. Additional items include ear plugs, an eye mask, and a toothbrush paired with Marvis toothpaste.

Rest and Refreshment

Since my departure occurred at 2am, I decided to forego dinner and head straight to rest. The Safran Unity seat transforms into a fully flat bed, and the substantial mattress cushion ensures a deeply comfortable sleep. Upon waking, I felt revitalized and eager for breakfast, which offered French toast, assorted pastries, and a fresh fruit selection—all equally satisfying.