Riyadh Air, Mastercard launch travel-payments alliance focused on digital ecosystem

RIYADH, February 5, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Riyadh Air and Mastercard unveiled an alliance on Thursday linking payments, travel and technology, with both sides positioning the partnership as a platform for consumer payments, premium airport services and next-generation B2B travel payments.

A Riyadh Air press release described the partnership as part of a broader plan to build an integrated financial and payment ecosystem tied to the airline’s digital-first operating model.

Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida described the collaboration as a core step in building a seamless and differentiated customer journey, adding that the carrier is rolling out integrated payments, rewards, premium airport experiences and virtual payment solutions in parallel.

Mastercard’s President for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Dimitrios Dosis, described the partnership as an integrated digitally native model designed to deliver value across guests, travel agents, airlines and hospitality partners, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s position as a global travel hub.

The release also stated that Riyadh Air became the first airline globally to introduce an airline-branded virtual card program for travel-trade settlements, with the model aimed at improving efficiency, security and reconciliation for intermediaries.

It additionally cited Mastercard’s Travel Trends Report 2025, which tracked a sharp rise in passenger traffic in Riyadh.