Riyadh Air is set to begin full commercial operations on the London–Riyadh route with the Boeing 787-9. Public ticket sales have officially started.
Saudi Arabia’s new-generation airline brand Riyadh Air has officially announced the launch of public ticket sales. The airline will operate flights on the London–Riyadh route using its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.
According to the company’s statement, full-service flights between King Khalid International Airport and London Heathrow Airport will begin on July 1.
Riyadh Air also announced that additional international destinations will be revealed in the near future.
New Boeing 787-9s Joining the Fleet
Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, equipped with the airline’s custom cabin design and next-generation inflight entertainment system, are expected to join the fleet in the coming weeks following delivery delays.
The airline aims to establish a strong position in the long-haul international market with its modern cabin experience and premium passenger services.
London Operations Have Continued Since October 2025
Riyadh Air has been operating daily flights via London Heathrow Terminal 4 since October 2025. However, during this period, flights were not conducted under a full commercial sales model but as part of an operational readiness program.
Under the operational preparation plan called “Pathway to Perfect,” the airline operated using a technical spare aircraft named “Jamila,” leased from Oman Air.
During this phase, ticket sales were limited to Riyadh Air employees, as well as staff and family members of the airline’s parent investment organization, the Public Investment Fund.
The company’s goal was to test ticketing, baggage handling, and onboard service procedures before launching full commercial operations.
CEO Tony Douglas: “We Are at the Center of Vision 2030”
Tony Douglas stated that the London operation marks an important milestone for the airline.
Douglas said in his statement:
“Connecting the United Kingdom directly to Saudi Arabia and our growing global network is at the heart of the vision we are building at Riyadh Air and the goals of Vision 2030.”
Riyadh Air Makes Major Fleet Investments
Riyadh Air currently has:
- 39 firm orders for Boeing 787-9 aircraft,
- 33 additional Boeing 787 options,
- Up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft,
- 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft on order.
Target: More Than 100 Destinations by 2030
Established as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, Riyadh Air aims to operate flights to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
The airline is preparing to compete in the Gulf-based premium transit aviation market against major rivals such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways.
