A First-Class Journey: My Experience Flying with Riyadh Air to Madrid
Entering the Middle Eastern Aviation Market
Usagevpn.com – Launching a new carrier from the ground up represents a significant undertaking, yet attempting this venture within the Middle East—a region already saturated with industry giants—makes the endeavor even more remarkable. With established powerhouses such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways dominating the skies, Riyadh Air’s arrival has certainly captured attention. The carrier commenced operations late last year, initiating services connecting its home base at King Khalid International Airport with London Heathrow during October. While these routes existed earlier, they only became accessible to everyday travelers in June, and since that milestone, the airline has been rapidly expanding its network with numerous new route declarations.
Already, services operate toward Cairo, Dubai, and Málaga, while additional destinations including Manchester, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, and Dhakar are scheduled to join the network within the coming weeks. Having secured a seat on the maiden journey to Madrid, I was eager to document every aspect of this pioneering experience.
The Hafawa Lounge: A Warm Welcome
The journey commences at the Hafawa Lounge, situated within Terminal 2 of King Khalid International Airport. Drawing its name from the Arabic term meaning “warm welcome,” this concept reflects a cornerstone of Saudi hospitality, and guests immediately sense this ethos when presented with coffee and dates upon entering. The architectural vision comes from Yabu Pushelberg studio, with the interior design drawing inspiration from the vast Saudi desert landscape. Warm sandy hues and flowing, undulating lines create an atmosphere that feels both modern and rooted in tradition.
Covering almost 2,000 square meters, the lounge extends across multiple distinct areas, giving passengers the freedom to select an environment matching their preferences. Those seeking a traditional airport lounge ambiance can head to the social dining room, where a buffet presents Arabic mezze selections including hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh, complemented by hot offerings such as lamb kofta and seabass sayadiya, alongside various breads, cheeses, and sweet treats.
For travelers with additional time before departure, the executive dining room stands out as an excellent choice. This space serves à la carte selections featuring prawn machbous, beef tenderloin, and mushroom ravioli. During my visit, I began with a burrata salad and followed with paneer tikka, both dishes proving exceptional. After dining, I proceeded directly to the beverage station, where guests can enjoy non-alcoholic wines, beers, and creative mocktails such as the Lavender Haze—a tribute to the airline’s distinctive fragrance.
The lounge provides a peaceful escape from the airport’s hustle, with gentle music filling the air. Stepping outside to the terrace overlooking the terminal creates a striking contrast. Additional amenities include private rest rooms, massage chairs, and shower facilities. Riyadh Air intends to establish a second Hafawa Lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4, though no official date has been confirmed yet.
Inside the Cabin: Thoughtful Design and Comfort
Considerable attention has been invested in differentiating the cabin experience from competitors. The “canopy twist” feature above each business class seat, combined with purple tones woven throughout the space, creates a unique visual identity. Textures play a crucial role—the seat detailing and marble-patterned tables add warmth, while the screen door ensures privacy.
Eight months were dedicated to refining service standards during staff flights to and from London, and this dedication is evident. The cabin feels as though it was crafted by someone who travels frequently for frequent travelers. Every conceivable need has been anticipated. Within the suite, passengers find two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a standard UK type G electrical socket. While headphones are provided, Bluetooth connectivity allows personal devices to link directly to the entertainment screen. For those preferring not to use headphones, built-in speakers within the headrest deliver audio clearly.
The 32-inch display offers an impressive viewing experience, stocked with the latest film and television releases. A particularly clever feature appears on the flight map, where nearby cities are highlighted and the screen retrieves relevant Wikipedia information about each destination. The amenity kit contains products from Kayanee, a Saudi wellness brand, including lip balm, hand cream, face cream, and face mist, along with ear plugs, an eye mask, and a toothbrush paired with Marvis toothpaste.
Since my departure occurred at 2am, I chose to forgo dinner and rest instead. The Safran Unity seat transforms into a fully flat bed, and the substantial mattress pad ensures a deeply comfortable sleep. Upon waking, I felt revitalized and eager for breakfast, which included French toast, assorted pastries, and a fresh fruit platter—all of which was just as delightful as the rest of the journey.
