From the sun-drenched desert runways of Riyadh to the promise of soaring over global skylines, a new journey is about to begin.
The skies are buzzing with anticipation as Saudi Arabia prepares to launch its newest global ambition: Riyadh Air, a national carrier designed to rival the best in the world. With its sleek branding, bold mission, and cutting-edge fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Riyadh Air’s launch promises to redefine the future of aviation in the region and position Saudi Arabia as a key global hub for travel and tourism.
A New Chapter in Saudi Aviation – What is Riyadh Air?
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) backs the airline with a clear vision. It aims to support Vision 2030 by helping diversify the economy and strengthen key sectors like tourism and logistics. Helmed by aviation industry veteran Tony Douglas, formerly CEO of Etihad Airways, the airline is gearing up to be a world-class player.
Officially announced in March 2023, Riyadh Air aims to become one of the most modern, digitally driven, and customer-focused airlines globally. And now, the biggest question remains: When will Riyadh Air launch?
Riyadh Air Launch Date
Riyadh Air is set to launch officially in mid-2025, with its first flight expected between June and August.
Although the airline hasn’t publicly confirmed the exact date, sources close to the company say operations will begin in the summer.
The airline chose this timing strategically to attract international travelers and make its debut during peak travel months.
When Can You Buy Tickets?
As of April 2025, Riyadh Air ticket bookings have not yet opened to the public. However, according to statements from CEO Tony Douglas and updates on the airline’s official social channels, ticket pre-booking may begin by Q4 of 2025. Travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers can follow the airline’s updates on platforms like Instagram and RiyadhAir.com for real-time announcements.
Flying with the Best
Riyadh Air has placed a major order for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These are among the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft available today.
The wide-body jets are built for long-haul comfort. They offer spacious cabins, better humidity, improved lighting, and lower carbon emissions. All of this supports Riyadh Air’s sustainability-first approach.
Riyadh Air will begin operations with a fleet of Dreamliners, while planning to expand over time. The airline will configure these aircraft to deliver a premium experience in economy, business, and potentially first class.
The Destinations Where Riyadh Air Will Fly To
Although Riyadh Air hasn’t finalized its full list of destinations, the airline has already revealed ambitious plans to connect Riyadh with over 100 cities worldwide by 2030. Likely initial routes include:
- London
- Paris
- Frankfurt
- New York
- Singapore
- Bangkok
- Dubai
- Cairo
- Mumbai
The airline will focus heavily on direct long-haul routes from Riyadh, positioning the Saudi capital as a strategic global transit hub.
Riyadh Air and Vision 2030 – A Strategic Alignment Beyond Skies
The Riyadh Air launch isn’t happening in isolation. Rather, it’s a key part of Vision 2030—Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan. At its core, the goal is clear: to turn Riyadh into a global gateway and grow tourism until it contributes 10% of the national GDP.
With Riyadh Air, the Kingdom is making a bold move in aviation. In many ways, it’s a strategy not unlike what Emirates did for Dubai. Furthermore, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the airline will likely create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Riyadh Air’s Identity – Tradition Meets Innovation
In a recent Euronews feature, Riyadh Air was described as “where tradition meets innovation.” This ethos is evident in the airline’s branding, which combines futuristic elements with subtle cultural motifs—from the flowing Arabic-inspired logo to the modern indigo-and-gold color palette.
What Sets Riyadh Air Apart?
Here’s what makes Riyadh Air more than just another carrier in Saudi Arabia and beyond:
- Digital-First Experience: Paperless boarding, in-app booking, real-time flight tracking, and personalized services.
- Premium Comfort: World-class cabin design with ample legroom and comfort even in economy.
- Sustainability Focus: Fuel-efficient planes, green initiatives, and a long-term strategy for carbon neutrality.
- Strategic Global Partnerships: Ongoing discussions with major aviation alliances to facilitate codeshare agreements and loyalty programs.
Get Ready to Take Off
The countdown to the Riyadh Air launch has begun, and all signs point to a transformative moment in the Kingdom’s aviation landscape. Whether you’re a frequent flier, an expat, or a curious traveler, Riyadh Air is shaping up to be an airline worth watching and flying with.
So, when will Riyadh Air launch? The skies will open in mid-2025, and with it, a new era in global travel.
FAQs
When will Riyadh Air officially launch?
Riyadh Air is expected to begin operations in mid-2025. Most likely, the inaugural flight will be scheduled between June and August. However, the airline will announce the exact launch date closer to the time.
Can I book tickets for Riyadh Air yet?
As of now, Riyadh Air has not opened ticket sales. However, bookings are expected to begin in late 2025, just before the airline’s first official flights.
What destinations will Riyadh Air initially serve?
To start with, Riyadh Air plans to launch routes to major global hubs such as London, New York, Paris, Dubai, Mumbai, and Singapore. In the long run, the airline aims to expand its network to over 100 cities by 2030.
What aircraft will Riyadh Air use?
Riyadh Air will operate state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These aircraft are known for long-haul comfort, excellent fuel efficiency, and a premium passenger experience across all classes.
