Riyadh Air Secures Approval to Operate US Flights

Riyadh Air Cleared for US Operations

Riyadh Air, the new, second national carrier backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has received approval from the United States Department of Transportation to operate scheduled passenger flights between the kingdom and American cities. The decision marks a significant step in the airline's push to establish itself as a major player in global aviation.

The US regulator granted the carrier a foreign air carrier permit, allowing it to begin commercial operations to American destinations. The approval clears one of the final regulatory hurdles before Riyadh Air can launch transatlantic service, which the company has identified as a core part of its long-haul strategy.

Vision 2030 and the Airline's Origins

Riyadh Air was established in 2023 as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil revenues and transform the capital into a global business and tourism hub. The airline plans to connect Riyadh with more than 100 destinations by 2030.

Fleet and Leadership

Chief Executive Tony Douglas, the former head of Etihad Airways, has steered the company through its setup phase. The airline initially targeted a launch in 2025, though that timeline shifted as delivery delays from Boeing affected the rollout of widebody aircraft. The carrier now expects to begin commercial operations later this year.

Competing With Established Gulf Carriers

The US approval positions Riyadh Air to compete directly with established Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, all of which operate extensive networks to American cities. Industry analysts have noted that the Saudi entry could reshape competition on routes linking North America with the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. With ⁠up to 72 787s and as many as 60 A321neos and 50 A350s on order, ​Douglas calls this “the biggest global aviation startup ​in modern ⁠history”.

What Comes Next

Specific launch dates, fare structures, and initial US destinations for Riyadh Air have not yet been announced. The company is expected to release further details on its inaugural routes in the coming months.