Riyadh Air, a newly established Saudi Arabian airline, has taken a significant step toward expanding its international reach by applying to the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to operate flights between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The airline, founded in 2023 and currently operating flights between Riyadh and London using a Boeing 787-9, is planning a rapid growth trajectory, aiming to serve 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
According to its regulatory filing, Riyadh Air requested permits for both scheduled and charter flights from any point in Saudi Arabia to any point in the United States. The airline has expressed its intent to commence nonstop services once all necessary approvals are obtained.
The airline's operational history includes receiving its air operator certificate from Saudi authorities in February 2025. Despite not yet selling tickets on its official website, reports indicate that some travel booking platforms have begun offering tickets for Riyadh Air flights. The airline holds substantial aircraft orders, including 60 Airbus A321neos, 25 Airbus A350s, and 39 Boeing 787-9s, to support its planned network expansion.
Partnerships with airlines such as Delta Air Lines are part of Riyadh Air’s strategic growth plan. Its ownership is fully maintained by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has invested over 3 billion USD since the airline's inception. The carrier's entry into the U.S. market is anticipated to significantly broaden its international operations in the coming years.
