Riyadh Air has formally applied for U.S. operating authority as the Saudi startup continues preparations for launching international services while awaiting delivery of its first aircraft.
In a filing to the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT), the airline requested a foreign air carrier permit and exemption authority to operate scheduled and charter services between Saudi Arabia and the U.S., as well as onward destinations, in line with the bilateral air services agreement between the two countries.
The move comes as the airline continues to refine its operational readiness ahead of a full commercial launch. Riyadh Air has been conducting limited proving flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow since late 2025 using a leased Boeing 787-9, with access restricted to employees and partners as part of its “Pathway to Perfect” testing program.
Despite repeated indications that its first new-build aircraft were arriving imminently, the carrier has yet to take delivery of any aircraft from its orderbook, which includes 39 787-9s with options for 33 more, alongside Airbus A350-1000s and A321neos.
Riyadh Air, which is wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, was established in 2023 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and position Riyadh as a global aviation hub.
As previously reported by Aviation Week, slot filings for the northern summer 2026 season show Riyadh Air targeting up to 15 destinations from its Riyadh base, including London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Mumbai, alongside regional routes across the Middle East and Asia. The airline has also recently confirmed that Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester will form part of its initial network rollout.
However, the timeline for launching full passenger services remains uncertain. Aircraft delivery delays have already pushed back the airline’s original schedule, while ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East add further complexity.
The carrier is seeking expedited approval from the DOT, which would allow it to begin operations to the U.S. once aircraft deliveries are secured and final regulatory clearances are in place.
According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, Saudia is the sole operator of nonstop service between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. at present, flying from Riyadh and Jeddah to both New York John F. Kennedy and Washington Dulles. However, Delta Air Lines is scheduled to launch flights between Atlanta and Riyadh in October.
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