Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM Forge Cooperative Agreement

DELHI, India — Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 2, 2025, to enhance connectivity between Riyadh, Paris, and Amsterdam. The collaboration aims to unlock new opportunities for passengers and expand travel options across several regions, including Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, and Asia.

The MoU was signed by Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, during the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting. Subject to regulatory approvals, this agreement is expected to result in a range of operational benefits, including codesharing, network expansion, and enhanced guest experiences.

Air France recently launched a direct flight between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Riyadh, complementing KLM’s existing route from Amsterdam to Riyadh. This reflects the shared commitment of both airlines to improve travel between Saudi Arabia and Europe.

The partnership will explore areas such as operational assistance, lounge access, and reciprocal loyalty programs. By combining their networks, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM aim to create a more seamless travel experience for customers.

Douglas stated, “We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the rest of the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM will accelerate our efforts.” He emphasized that the partnership is a crucial step toward supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.

Smith added that, “Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a key aviation market.” With the ongoing presence of Air France, KLM, and Transavia in the kingdom, he noted that this agreement would further strengthen their regional presence.

This strategic cooperation not only enhances connectivity but also covers potential collaboration in sustainability initiatives, cargo operations, and aircraft maintenance. Both partners are keen to combine their resources for a more environmentally responsible aviation operation.