RIYADH- Riyadh Air (RX) has formally applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for foreign air carrier authority. The Saudi startup is preparing to launch international services while awaiting delivery of its first aircraft.
The filing seeks permission to operate scheduled and charter services between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The carrier currently runs proving flights between Riyadh (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR) using a leased Boeing 787-9.
Riyadh Air Applies for US Flights
Riyadh Air submitted its application to the DOT requesting both a foreign air carrier permit and exemption authority, Aviation Week reported.
The request covers scheduled and charter services between Saudi Arabia and the United States, along with onward destinations under the bilateral air services agreement between the two countries.
The airline is seeking expedited approval from the DOT. This clearance would allow operations to begin once aircraft deliveries are secured and final regulatory steps are complete.
Riyadh Air is wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The carrier was established in 2023 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and position Riyadh as a global aviation hub.
ALSO READ: Riyadh Air Inaugurates 787 Flight from the Largest Airport in the World to London
Aircraft Deliveries Remain Pending
The carrier has yet to take delivery of any aircraft from its orderbook despite repeated indications that the first new-build jets were arriving imminently. The order includes 39 Boeing 787-9s with options for 33 more, alongside Airbus A350-1000s and A321neos.
Riyadh Air has been conducting limited proving flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow since late 2025 using a leased Boeing 787-9. Access is restricted to employees and partners under the carrier’s “Pathway to Perfect” testing program.
Aircraft delivery delays have already pushed back the original launch schedule. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East add further complexity to the timeline for full passenger services.
Initial Network Plans
Slot filings for the northern summer 2026 season show Riyadh Air targeting up to 15 destinations from its Riyadh base.
The list includes London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Mumbai (BOM), alongside regional routes across the Middle East and Asia.
The airline has also recently confirmed that Jeddah (JED), Madrid (MAD), and Manchester (MAN) will form part of its initial network rollout.
Current US-Saudi Arabia Market
Saudia (SV) is currently the sole operator of nonstop service between Saudi Arabia and the United States. According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, the flag carrier flies from Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED) to both New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Washington Dulles (IAD).
Delta Air Lines (DL) is scheduled to launch flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH) in October 2026. The route will add a second operator to the direct US-Saudi Arabia market before Riyadh Air enters service.
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