New direct flights will go from UK to an Asian city where modern attractions meet old-world charm

British holidaymakers have something to look forward to this summer, as Saudi Arabian carrier, Riyadh Air, has unveiled a fresh route from Manchester Airport.Starting from July 23, 2026, the airline will operate three flights each week between Manchester and Riyadh, using its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.The Dreamliners promise luxury cabin interiors designed to deliver a top-tier travel experience, and let Britons explore the Middle East in style.Riyadh Air's chief executive, Tony Douglas, said: The launch of our new service to Manchester marks another milestone in our journey to connect Riyadh to the world and the world to Riyadh. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say This route has been carefully selected to serve a key market for connecting the North of England to the Middle East, aligning with our ambition to become a global airline and a significant contributor to Vision 2030.We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard to experience our distinctive Saudi hospitality as we connect these two great cities and continue to redefine the future of air travel.Many holidaymakers heading to the Middle East will visit Dubai, but the new service will help those in the North of England experience what Saudi Arabia has to offer. TRAVEL INSPIRATIONEurope’s best rail holiday destinations offer spectacular scenery and low pricesThe UK's best fish and chip towns have been named, and a historical county dominates the listThe UK's best fish and chip towns have been named, and a historical county dominates the listFor those wanting to get their seats, bookings can be made through the Riyadh Air app, the airline's website, or via travel agents.Saudi Arabia has become an increasingly popular destination for British travellers, with its stunning landscapes, rich heritage sites and warm hospitality drawing visitors from across the UK.Riyadh offers a mix of modern city life and rich Arabian heritage, giving visitors a unique cultural experience. British tourists can explore historic sites such as At-Turaif while enjoying world-class museums, shopping, and dining.The city has rapidly developing tourism attractions and is a great gateway to the rest of Saudi Arabia and the nearby UAE.This is not the only recent route update from Manchester Airport. The airport has launched 12 new routes, with flights to Mediterranean beach spots for the first time.For more new routes, Jet2 announces exclusive summer routes to Greek hotspots with scenic coastlines and must-see sunsets. Jet2 has unveiled two brand-new Greek destinations flying from Leeds Bradford Airport for Summer 2027. The airline is launching flights and holidays to Santorini and Preveza for the very first time, and both routes will be exclusive to Jet2 from the airport.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter