By Chaitali Bag
The aviation sector has always played a pivotal role in connecting nations, fostering mutual growth, and inspiring cultural exchanges. In such a dynamic context, the recent announcement of Riyadh Air’s delegation, led by CEO Tony Douglas, to visit India between March 12 and 14, 2025, stands as a milestone in enhancing bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and India. With Riyadh Air set to officially commence operations later this year, this visit underscores the airline’s strategic focus on the Indian market and highlights its ambition to establish significant partnerships in one of Asia’s most promising aviation landscapes.
India holds profound importance in Riyadh Air’s network planning. CEO Tony Douglas has emphasized this several times, expressing optimism about India’s role in the airline’s long-term success. “India has long been a crucial part of Riyadh Air’s network planning,” Douglas remarked, adding that the country’s vast population, vibrant economy, and growing travel and business opportunities make it a linchpin in the airline’s strategy. This visit, therefore, has far-reaching implications for improved connectivity, economic collaboration, and bolstering tourism sectors in both nations.
Exploring Partnerships with Aviation Leaders
During the visit, the Riyadh Air delegation is slated to engage in high-level discussions with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Saudi Arabian Embassy in India to secure necessary regulatory permissions and support for its impending India operations. What stands out as particularly significant is Douglas’s meetings with executives of IndiGo and Air India, the two largest players in India’s aviation market. Discussions with these airlines will likely explore avenues for partnerships, code-sharing agreements, and collaborative ventures that could benefit travellers by offering seamless connectivity and a wider range of travel options.
These interactions are timely, given Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism ambitions under Vision 2030. The Saudi Tourism Authority has announced its goal of welcoming 7.5 million visitors from India annually by the decade’s end. To put this into perspective, the number of Indian travellers to Saudi Arabia surged by 50 percent in 2023 alone, reaching over 1.5 million travellers. By fostering strategic partnerships with leading Indian airlines, Riyadh Air is poised not only to tap into this growing demand but also to ensure that it becomes a vital link between the two countries, boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
A Long-Term Vision for Prosperity and Connectivity
Riyadh Air’s operational philosophy is deeply intertwined with Saudi Arabia’s national ambitions as outlined in Vision 2030. The airline aims to establish itself as a “digital native airline,” leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver superior passenger experiences. Riyadh Air is primed to play a transformative role in connecting Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations globally by 2030. This expansion is expected to contribute an additional $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP growth and create over 200,000 jobs globally and locally, further validating its significance as a national asset.
Douglas’s statement during this announcement highlights Riyadh Air’s broader objectives: fostering cultural and economic collaboration. He stated, “Beyond connecting people, fostering economic growth and enhancing and diversifying the Saudi Arabian and Indian tourism sectors, Riyadh Air’s network will help develop even stronger bonds between the two great countries.” By positioning itself as a key driver of connectivity between Saudi Arabia and India, Riyadh Air is poised not only to elevate bilateral trade and tourism but also to leave a lasting mark on the global aviation map.
Strengthened Footprint in India with Bird Travels
As part of its India-focused strategy, Riyadh Air has officially appointed Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in the country. This partnership represents a critical component of Riyadh Air’s approach to penetrating the Indian market effectively. Bird Travels, with its deep expertise, extensive network, and comprehensive understanding of India’s travel industry, will ensure that Riyadh Air’s services are not only promoted efficiently but also made readily accessible to Indian consumers.
Speaking on this development, Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential. “We are honoured to be Riyadh Air’s exclusive distribution and sales partner in India,” he said, adding that Indian travellers would be drawn to Riyadh Air’s innovative services and exceptional onboard experiences. With Bird Travels spearheading Riyadh Air’s outreach, the partnership is expected to amplify the airline’s presence in the Indian market while providing unparalleled travel solutions.
Saudi-Indian Relations: A Bridge to the Future
The Riyadh Air delegation’s visit also reflects the historically strong and friendly ties between Saudi Arabia and India, dating back to establishing diplomatic relations in 1947. Over the decades, the two nations have cultivated robust economic and socio-cultural connections. Saudi Arabia is not only a key energy partner to India but is also emerging as a significant player in the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. With Riyadh Air’s entry into the Indian market, these ties can be expected to deepen further, creating new opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
Riyadh Air and Bird Travels: Revolutionizing the Aviation Industry
The aviation industry continues to witness remarkable advancements driven by innovation, sustainability, and a customer-centric approach. Two exemplary players in this domain, Riyadh Air and Bird Travels, are redefining global and regional travel experiences through their visionary strategies and exceptional services.
Riyadh Air, a cutting-edge airline launched in March 2023 by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, exemplifies world-class ambition. With a commitment to sustainability, safety, and digital innovation, the airline aims to establish itself as a premier full-service carrier. Promising to connect guests to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, Riyadh Air is poised to deliver extraordinary travel experiences with state-of-the-art aircraft, next-generation in-flight entertainment, and unparalleled Saudi hospitality. Its vision reflects not only the growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector but also its aspiration to position the Kingdom as a global hub for connectivity and tourism.
In the Indian and broader South Asian aviation market, Bird Travels has emerged as a trusted pioneer since its inception in 1971. Representing over 26 international airlines and offering diverse services ranging from route analysis to comprehensive marketing support, Bird Travels has set industry benchmarks in airline management and representation. As the flagship company of the Bird Group, with its legacy of over 50 years, Bird Travels brings expertise to the forefront by fostering strong partnerships, delivering innovative solutions, and ensuring a seamless customer experience. Its presence across India and the GCC epitomizes its dedication to advancing aviation and travel management practices in the region.
Together, Riyadh Air and Bird Travels represent outstanding examples of how innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence can transform aviation. Whether connecting the world with Saudi Arabia or elevating airline operations in India, these organizations are testament to the aviation sector’s potential to drive economic growth, enhance connectivity, and bring people closer together through exceptional service.
Looking Ahead
Riyadh Air’s focused approach to expanding its presence in India illustrates how airlines can act as bridges between nations. By fostering partnerships with key players like IndiGo and Air India and capitalizing on robust distribution networks such as Bird Travels, Riyadh Air is set to redefine travel experiences while contributing to the broader economic goals of Vision 2030. As India is projected to become Saudi Arabia’s largest tourism source market by 2030, this delegation visit marks a well-timed and promising step toward a shared future of prosperity and connectivity for both nations. The impending launch of Riyadh Air’s operations is, without a doubt, a significant development in global aviation, with India playing a central role in its unfolding narrative.
