Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas leads a delegation to India for high-level talks, strengthening aviation ties ahead of the airline’s 2025 launch. With India projected to be Saudi Arabia’s top tourism source market by 2030, the visit focuses on partnerships, regulatory approvals, and expanding connectivity between the two nations.Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – March 2025 – Riyadh Air is taking a significant step toward expanding its global footprint, with CEO Tony Douglas leading a delegation to India for high-level discussions on potential partnerships.
As the airline prepares to launch operations later this year, India remains a strategic focus, with projections indicating it will become Saudi Arabia’s top tourism source market by 2030.With an ambitious goal of attracting 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by the end of the decade, the Saudi Tourism Authority is leveraging key initiatives that have already driven a 50 percent surge in Indian travelers to Saudi Arabia, surpassing 1.
5 million visitors in 2023.Strengthening Aviation TiesThe Riyadh Air delegation is scheduled to meet Indian aviation authorities, including officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from March 12 to 14, 2025. These meetings will focus on obtaining regulatory approvals and strengthening aviation ties to ensure a smooth launch of operations in India.
Additionally, Douglas will engage in discussions with IndiGo and Air India, India�.