Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air has begun daily flights between Riyadh and Mumbai, its first Indian destination and 10th route, Emerging Travel reported on August 4.

The launch marks the fastest network build by a Gulf start-up carrier in recent memory, with the Public Investment Fund-owned airline adding 10 routes since its maiden London Heathrow service on June 10 as it races to meet Vision 2030 targets to turn Riyadh into a global aviation hub.

The service links King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in four cabins: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.

Flight RX0698 departs Mumbai at 22:05 local time and reaches Riyadh at 23:50, while RX0697 leaves Riyadh at 14:05 and arrives in Mumbai at 20:35, the travel specialist publication reported.

Economy fares start from SAR585 ($156) one-way and Business Class from SAR2,537 ($676). Bookings opened on July 5 through the airline's website, app and authorised agents.

Chief Executive Tony Douglas said the carrier was targeting India as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, offering onward connectivity from Mumbai through Riyadh to Europe. Passengers can connect via Riyadh to London, Madrid, Jeddah and Cairo.

Riyadh Air flew its maiden London Heathrow service on June 10, followed by Jeddah on June 14, Dubai on June 18 and Cairo on June 25. Madrid, Manchester, Malaga and Kuala Lumpur launched through July. Dhaka is due on August 7, with Islamabad, Lahore and Manila flagged as forthcoming. The carrier aims to connect more than 100 destinations by 2030.

"With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, we are delighted to offer travellers a new premium choice and enhanced global connectivity from Mumbai to Riyadh, and onwards to Europe," said Douglas, press reported.