Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Riyadh Air launches daily Riyadh-London flights and new loyalty programme
Riyadh Air will begin daily flights from Riyadh to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on October 26, 2025, ahead of its official 2025 launch.
The initial flights, operated on the aircraft Jamila, will be used to test operational readiness and ensure reliability ahead of full commercial operations.
Riyadh Air has also launched Sfeer, its loyalty programme. Early members, designated as The Founders, will receive priority access to bookings on future flights. Sfeer allows members to share points within their community and offers a no points expiry policy. Membership also provides benefits including complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, with additional rewards and features available as the programme develops.
Etihad adds Medan and Phnom Penh to network
Etihad Airways has expanded its South-east Asia network with the launch of new routes to Medan in North Sumatra and Phnom Penh in Cambodia, bringing its total global destinations to 83.
The inaugural flights took off on October 2 and 3 respectively, making Etihad the only airline directly connecting the Gulf Cooperation Council to both Sumatra and Phnom Penh.
The services are operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft with a three-cabin configuration, including First, Business and Economy. Flights between Abu Dhabi and Medan operate three times weekly, while the Phnom Penh service operates four times weekly and will increase to six flights per week from November 1, 2025.
Lufthansa-Singapore Airlines joint venture expands with Brussels Airlines
The Lufthansa Group and Singapore Airlines have expanded their joint venture with the addition of Brussels Airlines. From October 26, 2025, customers can book codeshare flights between Singapore and Brussels operated by Singapore Airlines, providing more travel options and seamless connectivity between Singapore, Belgium and onward European destinations.
The joint venture, now in its eighth year, offers joint fares across seven countries and 26 destinations. The expansion also includes intermodal feeder routes, allowing travellers to connect to the airlines’ European hubs via bus or train services, enhancing accessibility and travel flexibility across the region.
Emirates expands London Heathrow services for Winter 2025
Emirates will add six weekly flights to its London Heathrow schedule from October 26, 2025, increasing travel options during the winter season. The additional services complement the airline’s existing six daily flights between Dubai and London Heathrow.
The new flights will operate on all days except Fridays using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering over 350 seats across First, Business and Economy. Strategically timed departures provide convenient connections to destinations across Asia, including Durban, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Jakarta, and cities in West Asia and the Middle East such as Ahmedabad, Lahore, Maldives, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bahrain, Dammam and Riyadh.
