Air India and Riyadh Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia, with plans to introduce codeshare and interline agreements that will allow passengers to travel across both airlines' networks through a single booking. The agreement, announced on June 4, is aimed at expanding travel options between the two countries and improving connections to destinations beyond India and Saudi Arabia. The partnership is subject to regulatory approvals. Under the proposed arrangement, passengers will be able to access smoother onward connections through Air India's hubs in Delhi and Mumbai and Riyadh Air's hub in Riyadh. The airlines said the collaboration is intended to support growing demand for business, tourism and family travel between the two countries.Codeshare and interline plans Air India and Riyadh Air said they intend to establish interline and codeshare partnerships that will enable travellers to connect seamlessly across each other's networks. The airlines will also explore cooperation in several areas, including reciprocal loyalty programme benefits, cargo operations, operational support, and digital and technology initiatives aimed at improving the passenger experience. The agreement reflects the growing aviation relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, which continue to witness increasing travel demand driven by economic ties, tourism and people-to-people connections.Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said India and Saudi Arabia are among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally. "India and Saudi Arabia are two important growth markets in global aviation today, and the scale and momentum in both countries make this a natural partnership. We look forward to working with Riyadh Air to bring together complementary strengths of the two airlines to unlock that opportunity with a focus on offering our guests more choice across our combined networks and elevating their travel experiences." Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said the partnership marks an important step in connecting Saudi Arabia with key international destinations. "India is one of the most important and dynamic aviation markets in the world, and this partnership with Air India marks a defining step in Riyadh Air's mission to connect Saudi Arabia with key global destinations. Together, we will offer guests a seamless, world-class experience that reflects the deep cultural and economic bonds shared between our two nations."Expanding international networks Air India said it has significantly expanded its global partnership network since its privatisation in 2022. The airline currently has 25 codeshare partnerships and more than 120 interline agreements with airlines worldwide, giving its customers access to over 1,000 destinations. The announcement also comes as Riyadh Air prepares to begin commercial operations. The Saudi carrier recently opened bookings for flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow, with inaugural services scheduled to begin on July 1. According to the airlines, the new London route will provide Indian travellers with additional connectivity to the United Kingdom and Europe through Riyadh, further expanding travel options for business, leisure and family visits. The agreement is expected to strengthen aviation links between India and Saudi Arabia while supporting broader economic and tourism cooperation between the two countries.