Riyadh Air has announced regular flights to Mumbai, making the Indian financial hub its 10th destination as the Saudi carrier expands its global network.

The route is also Riyadh Air’s first in India, one of the world’s largest aviation markets and a key target for growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

The airline said the new service underlines its strategy of building a wider international network. Mumbai joins a list of destinations that the start-up carrier is developing as it works to establish itself on the global stage.

India matters to Riyadh Air for more than passenger demand. It is also a major source market for business travel, tourism and diaspora traffic, all of which help sustain frequent long-haul and regional services.

Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in aviation as part of a wider push to diversify its economy and increase connectivity. National carriers and airport operators are being encouraged to play a bigger role in linking the kingdom with major cities across Asia, Europe and beyond.

For Riyadh Air, the Mumbai launch marks an important step in that plan. The route gives the airline access to a market with high traffic volumes and strong links to the Gulf, while also offering travellers more options for travel between Saudi Arabia and western India.

The addition of Mumbai comes as airlines across the Middle East compete for a larger share of long-haul traffic and premium travellers. New routes are often seen as a sign of confidence in demand, especially on major business and leisure corridors.

Riyadh Air has positioned itself as a key part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a bigger aviation hub. Expanding into India adds a significant new country to its map and strengthens its presence in a region that remains central to global air travel growth.