New Saudi carrier Riyadh Air to launch with London service
Saudi Arabia’s new national airline Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will inaugurate operations later this month with a direct Riyadh-London Heathrow route beginning October 26 2025, according to Reuters and the Financial Times.
Initially, the flights will serve PIF employees and airline staff using a reserve aircraft until Riyadh Air’s dedicated fleet is delivered. A follow-up route to Dubai is expected in November.
The carrier has placed orders for 182 planes from Boeing and Airbus, including 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, A320neo aircraft for regional routes, and A350-1000 jets for long-haul services, with deliveries starting 2027.
Riyadh Air’s goal is to connect 100 destinations within five years, transforming the Saudi capital into a major global hub competing with Emirates and Qatar Airways. The launch aligns with Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy and make the Kingdom a global transport and tourism nexus ahead of Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
References & Source:
FT / Reuters — “New Saudi carrier Riyadh Air to launch with London service.”