Riyadh Air has taken a major step towards commercial operations with the arrival of its first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and the announcement of its first network of destinations, signalling the transition from start-up carrier to operational airline.
The Public Investment Fund-backed airline has confirmed five new destinations – Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester – while also bringing forward the launch of its inaugural London service following the delivery of its aircraft.
The first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners arrived in Riyadh on 5 June, followed by a third aircraft, registered HZ-RXAC, which touched down in Jeddah on 6 June. The aircraft join the airline’s fleet as Riyadh Air prepares to commence passenger operations using aircraft built specifically for the carrier.
“To see our very first custom-built 787 Dreamliner airplanes touch down in Riyadh is a historic moment for us, and a momentous day for Saudi aviation,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. “I couldn’t be more excited or more confident about the future and the legacy we are creating. Not only are we building an airline, we are opening a new gateway to the world from the heart of the Kingdom. We are absolutely ready and excited to welcome the world to Riyadh.”
The deliveries are significant because Riyadh Air’s launch schedule had previously been affected by delays in Boeing’s production programme. The arrival of three aircraft within days of each other provides the airline with the operational flexibility required to move from proving and certification flights into full commercial service.
The Boeing 787-9 will form the backbone of Riyadh Air’s long-haul strategy. The airline has ordered up to 72 Dreamliners, which will eventually connect Saudi Arabia with major destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
At the same time, Riyadh Air has unveiled the first wave of destinations that will form part of its rapidly expanding network. Flights to Jeddah will commence on 14 June, followed by Dubai on 18 June and Cairo on 25 June. European expansion will begin shortly afterwards, with Madrid launching on 17 July and Manchester on 23 July.
The airline has also accelerated the start of its flagship London Heathrow service. Originally scheduled to begin on 1 July, the route will now launch on 10 June, reflecting the earlier-than-expected arrival of the carrier’s new aircraft.
While Riyadh Air has been operating flights between Riyadh and London since late 2025, these services were conducted using a leased Oman Air Boeing 787 and were limited to employees and stakeholders connected with Riyadh Air and its owner, the Public Investment Fund. The June launch marks the beginning of fully commercial passenger operations using Riyadh Air’s own aircraft, crew and onboard product.
The announcement provides the clearest indication yet of how Riyadh Air intends to develop its network. Cairo, Dubai and Jeddah represent three of the region’s most important business and leisure markets, while Madrid and Manchester strengthen links with two key European source markets for tourism and investment.
The destinations are also closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 objectives. Riyadh Air has repeatedly stated its ambition to connect Riyadh with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually and establishing Riyadh as a major global aviation hub.
For the luxury travel sector, the new airline is expected to become an important gateway to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding tourism landscape, including destinations such as Riyadh, Diriyah, AlUla, the Red Sea and NEOM.
Riyadh Air has positioned itself as a premium carrier built around Saudi hospitality and advanced technology. Its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners feature modern cabins equipped with the latest onboard systems, enhanced connectivity and a hospitality offering designed to meet international premium-travel expectations.
With three Dreamliners now in service, six destinations announced and commercial operations about to begin, Riyadh Air is rapidly turning one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious aviation projects into a tangible reality.
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