Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas has said he expects that the Kingdom's newest national carrier will begin selling tickets and operating flights for the general public in the first quarter of 2026.
Founded and announced in early 2023, the first official flight for Riyadh Air took off from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 26, 2025. However these flights were part of a foundational period of restricted services limited to its staff, its owner Public Investment Fund (PIF), and PIF's subsidiaries.
With regards to the public, initially the airline was expected to launch regular flights in the first half of 2025, this timeframe was then adjusted to Q3, 2025. Further adjustments to the airline's launch timeframe stem from a delay in the delivery of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, a crucial step in the airline's operational plans.
Consequently, and according to recent reports by The National, the official commercial flights will now take off in Q1, 2026.
At the Dubai Air Show this week, CEO Tony Douglas emphasised that the transition to public operation requires a minimum fleet size, stating, “We need a minimum of three aircraft before you can operate general public sales to a level that I'd be happy with.”
What has caused these delays?
The full public launch timeline is currently contingent upon regulatory approval of its first new aircraft — a crucial step in the launch process known as the "head of version." This approval is for Riyadh Air's first Boeing 787 built to the airline's specific configuration, which is currently undergoing certification by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In an interview with The National, Mr Douglas highlighted the complexity of this step: “You've got the most complex industries I've ever been around, that is one of the world's most heavily regulated industries.” This initial certification is essential, as subsequent aircraft components cannot be shipped until the first is approved.
Routes & Ticket Pricing
Riyadh Air has confirmed its initial two destinations will be London Heathrow (LHR) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Following the commencement of Dubai flights, the CEO stated the airline is currently assessing seven additional destinations for inclusion in its route network. In October, it was circulated that pending confirmation of flight slots, Riyadh Air would provide daily flights connecting the Kingdom's capital to London's Heathrow Airport.
Further into this interview, Douglas noted that ticket prices have not been finalised, but passengers can expect that Riyadh AIr ticket costs will align with fares charged by regional competitors such as Emirates and Qatar Airways. Of course, like all airlines, it is anticipated that ticket pricing will also be influenced by seasonality.
Riyadh Air Aims to Optimise Travel
As we wait for Riyadh Air to officially take to the skies in the New Year, the airline is already taking steps to optimise every aspect of the customer journey, from check-in to global connectivity, and on-the-ground mobility for swift transit for passengers.
This includes the recent signing of a strategic MoU with The Helicopter Company in order to offer passengers premium, last-mile air transfers from King Khalid International Airport to key locations across the capital city, reflecting a joint commitment to revolutionising travel in line with the plans of Saudi Vision 2030. In October, Riyadh Air announced an official collaboration and agreement with Uber to create a seamless and synchronised luxury journey from doorstep to destination, extending the Riyadh Air experience beyond the departure or arrival gates. And in June, a similar collaboration was confirmed with private chauffeur service, Blacklane: the partnership between Riyadh Air and Blacklane is set to redefine luxury travel by expertly integrating premium chauffeur services with the airline’s world-class hospitality, providing passengers with a truly seamless, end-to-end travel experience.
Riyadh Air is now slated to commence publicly available flight operations from the first quarter of 2026, according to recent updates
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