Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, Riyadh Air, is preparing to launch commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. The airline, backed by the Public Investment Fund and seen as a central pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in April this year. Since then, the pace of operational readiness has accelerated.
London: the first destination?
Although Riyadh Air has not yet officially confirmed any routes or launch dates, multiple sources in the aviation industry point to a possible inaugural service between Riyadh and London Heathrow beginning on 26 October 2025, coinciding with the start of the IATA winter season. This is based on slot allocations filed with London Heathrow Airport, which show a daily early-morning arrival and departure pair allocated to the airline from that date.
Flight data suggests a potential arrival at Heathrow around 07:30 and a return to Riyadh at approximately 09:30 — a schedule well suited to business travellers and premium leisure markets. However, no tickets have yet gone on sale and the airline has made no official announcement regarding the launch route or timing, meaning these details remain speculative for now.
What is clear is that Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a digitally driven, full-service carrier with global ambitions. It aims to fly to over 100 destinations by 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to transform Riyadh into a world-class capital and global air hub.
Aircraft and early operations
Until its newly ordered aircraft arrive, Riyadh Air will begin flying using a leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, previously operated by Oman Air. The aircraft has already been painted in Riyadh Air’s distinctive indigo livery and has been used for pilot training and certification flights in recent months.
This particular Dreamliner is fitted with 30 Apex Suite business class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration and 258 economy class seats, giving early passengers a glimpse of the airline’s expected product standard. The Apex Suite is widely regarded for its privacy, comfort and direct aisle access — a smart choice for an airline aiming to compete on quality from day one.
Looking ahead, Riyadh Air has placed significant aircraft orders to support its long-term network expansion. These include 39 Boeing 787-9s, 60 Airbus A321neos, and 25 Airbus A350-1000s, with more orders expected. Deliveries will begin progressively over the coming years, with the first of the new aircraft entering service in 2026.
Speaking after receiving the AOC earlier this year, airline CEO Tony Douglas expressed enthusiasm about the airline’s preparedness for operations: “The issuance of the AOC is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the entire Riyadh Air team. We are now fully prepared to launch our operations later in 2025. Obtaining the Air Operator Certificate is an important milestone in the company’s journey. It is the result of the efforts of many employees at Riyadh Air. Today, we can proudly say that Riyadh Air is now an airline with an operational license to transport our traveling guests, and we are ready to begin operations later in 2025.”
Strategic global partnerships
Riyadh Air has also been laying the groundwork for global sales and distribution. On 7 August 2025, the airline announced a strategic partnership with Amadeus, the international travel technology company. Through this agreement, Riyadh Air will gain access to travel sellers in over 190 countries via the Amadeus Travel Platform, enabling widespread global visibility the moment tickets become available.
Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer at Riyadh Air, said the agreement would help position the airline as a world-class player. “This partnership is not only about enabling seamless travel experiences, but also about contributing to the broader national vision of economic diversification, tourism growth, and enhanced global connectivity,” he said.
Amadeus will also distribute Riyadh Air’s future NDC (New Distribution Capability) content, allowing for more personalised offers and dynamic pricing across third-party platforms. This move supports the airline’s goal of offering a more flexible and modern retail experience — part of a broader ambition to become a truly digitally native airline.
When Riyadh Air does begin flying, it will mark more than just the launch of a new airline. It will represent a bold new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s aviation story — one designed not just to connect people, but to help reshape global perceptions of the Kingdom itself.
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Aircraft photos – courtesy of Riyadh Air
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Read also: Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM sign MoU to strengthen global connectivity and strategic cooperation
