Riyadh Air
Popular Riyadh Air Routes
Riyadh (RUH)
London (LHR)
Riyadh (RUH)
Dubai (DXB)
Riyadh (RUH)
Jeddah (JED)
Riyadh (RUH)
Cairo (CAI)
Jeddah (JED)
London (LHR)
Dubai (DXB)
London (LHR)
Riyadh (RUH)
Paris (CDG)
Riyadh (RUH)
Frankfurt (FRA)
Riyadh (RUH)
New York (JFK)
Riyadh Air
Introducing Riyadh Air: Saudi Arabia's New National Carrier
Riyadh Air (RX) is Saudi Arabia's ambitious new national airline, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Founded on 12 March 2023, with its headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the airline is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to transform the Kingdom into a global aviation hub. With plans to serve over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, Riyadh Air is set to significantly boost tourism and connectivity across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
As a digital-native, full-service carrier, Riyadh Air is committed to delivering an exceptional travel experience. The airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in April 2025 and commenced its inaugural operational readiness flight to London Heathrow (LHR) on October 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards full commercial operations.
A World-Class Fleet and Unparalleled Cabin Experience
Riyadh Air is building a modern, efficient fleet designed for ultra-long-haul routes. Its firm orders include 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 60 Airbus A321neos, and 25 Airbus A350-1000s, totaling 124 state-of-the-art aircraft. These aircraft will feature striking interior cabin designs, emphasizing comfort and advanced technology across all classes.
The airline's commitment to a premium guest experience is evident in its cabin offerings, which include an industry-leading 32-inch 4K OLED screen in Business Elite, fully flat beds, and extensive privacy features. Every cabin, from Economy to Business Elite, is equipped with modern amenities, including USB-C charging points and high-definition entertainment systems, ensuring a connected and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
Connecting the GCC and Global Destinations
Strategically based at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, Riyadh Air is poised to become a vital link between the East and West. The airline's initial network includes key GCC destinations like Dubai (DXB) and Jeddah (JED), with Cairo (CAI) also planned for its early expansion. Its operational readiness flights to London Heathrow (LHR) signify its intent to quickly establish a strong international presence.
Saudi Arabia's 96-hour Stopover Visa for transit passengers is expected to be fully integrated with Riyadh Air bookings, encouraging travelers to explore the Kingdom. The airline will also facilitate Hajj and Umrah operations, catering to the significant religious travel demand in the region, further solidifying its role as a key player in GCC aviation.
Sfeer: A Loyalty Program Designed for You
Riyadh Air introduces 'Sfeer', a unique, revenue-based loyalty program where points never expire. Sfeer distinguishes itself with gamification elements and the innovative ability to share points and status benefits with family and friends across its 'Founder', 'Silver', 'Gold', and 'Platinum' tiers. This program is designed to foster a community-driven approach to loyalty, offering unparalleled flexibility and rewards.
While not part of a major airline alliance, Riyadh Air is forging bespoke strategic partnerships with leading global carriers such as Saudia, Air China, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, offering Sfeer members expanded earning and redemption opportunities across a broad network.
Latest Riyadh Air News
Riyadh Air Announces Inaugural London Flights and Launch of 'Sfeer' Loyalty Program
08 October 2025Riyadh Air announced the commencement of its first daily flights to London Heathrow starting October 26, 2025, fulfilling its 2025 commitment to launch operations. This marks a significant step in establishing its international network.
Simultaneously, the airline unveiled its innovative loyalty program, Sfeer. This community-driven program uniquely allows members to share points and benefits with family and friends, and ensures points never expire, setting a new standard for airline loyalty.
Riyadh Air places firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft
16 June 2025At the prestigious Paris Air Show, Riyadh Air solidified its commitment to long-haul capabilities by placing a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for an additional 25. This strategic acquisition brings their total ordered fleet to 124 firm aircraft, designed to serve ultra-long-haul routes efficiently and comfortably.
The A350-1000 is renowned for its outstanding efficiency and passenger comfort, making it a perfect complement to Riyadh Air's existing orders for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A321neo aircraft, ensuring a versatile and modern fleet.
Riyadh Air reveals world-class guest experience with striking interior cabin designs
19 April 2025Riyadh Air unveiled the highly anticipated interior cabin designs for its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, showcasing a world-class guest experience. A highlight is the industry-first 32-inch 4K OLED screen featured in its ultra-premium Business Elite class, setting a new benchmark for in-flight entertainment.
The cabin layouts include 4 Business Elite suites, 24 Business Class suites, 39 Premium Economy seats, and 223 Economy seats, all unified by a cohesive 'canopy twist' design. All cabins are equipped with modern technology, including USB-C charging points and complimentary Wi-Fi for Sfeer loyalty members, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey for all 290 passengers.
Riyadh Air expects flights for general public to start in first quarter of 2026
20 November 2025CEO Tony Douglas confirmed that while limited operational readiness flights for insiders have commenced, full commercial flights open to the general public are now targeted for the first quarter of 2026. This adjustment is primarily due to ongoing aircraft certification processes.
The airline is currently operating flights between Riyadh and London to rigorously test operational procedures and ensure a seamless launch. Following the full start of services, Riyadh Air plans to announce seven new destinations, expanding its network beyond its initial launch routes to Dubai.
Airline Bookings
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Airline Awards
2023
Airline Designator Code 'RX' Awarded Riyadh Air was officially awarded its IATA Airline Designator Code 'RX' by IATA in 2023, a fundamental identifier for its operations.
Riyadh Air Highlights
Airline Information
| IATA Code | RX |
| ICAO Code | |
| Main Company | Public Investment Fund (PIF) |
| Company Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Number of Destinations | Over 100 (planned by 2030) |
| Year of Operation | 2025 (inaugural operational flight) |
| Slogan | |
| Alliances | None (building bespoke partnerships) |
| Customer Service Number | |
| Loyalty Program | Sfeer (points never expire, shareable benefits) |
| Fleet Size | 124 aircraft (firm orders) |
| Key Hub | King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh |
| GCC Focus | Hajj & Umrah operations, Saudi Stopover Visa integration |
Riyadh Air Popular Destinations
Riyadh Air aims to connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations globally by 2030, leveraging Saudi Arabia's strategic location as a bridge between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Passengers can anticipate direct flights to major hubs worldwide, facilitating both business and leisure travel.
Riyadh to LondonRiyadh to DubaiRiyadh to JeddahRiyadh to CairoRiyadh to ParisRiyadh to New YorkFrequently Asked Questions about Riyadh Air
No, Riyadh Air has chosen not to join major global airline alliances like Oneworld or SkyTeam. Instead, the airline is building a network of bespoke strategic partnerships with various carriers, including Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, to expand its global reach.
As a premium full-service carrier, Riyadh Air is expected to offer a hand baggage allowance of 1 bag up to 7 kg. For checked baggage, Economy class passengers will likely receive up to 2 bags, each weighing 23 kg, while Business class passengers can expect up to 2 bags, each weighing 32 kg.
Riyadh Air, being a digital-native airline, will offer convenient web and mobile app check-in options. Typically, online check-in opens between 24 and 48 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure, allowing ample time to complete the process.
Riyadh Air aims to be a world-class, 5-star equivalent airline, focusing on a premium experience. It offers luxurious features such as 4K OLED screens in all cabins, an exclusive 'Business Elite' suite with sliding doors, fully flat beds, and complimentary Wi-Fi for its Sfeer loyalty members, promising exceptional comfort and service.
Riyadh Air provides four distinct cabin classes on its widebody aircraft to cater to diverse traveler needs: Business Elite (ultra-premium suites), Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. Each class is designed to offer a modern and comfortable travel experience.
Yes, Riyadh Air is headquartered in Riyadh (RUH), which serves as its primary hub. Dubai (DXB) has been confirmed as one of its very first launch destinations for 2026. While not yet confirmed, Abu Dhabi (AUH) is highly likely to be included as part of its strategic GCC expansion plans.
Riyadh Air's cancellation policy will follow standard full-service airline rules, offering various flexible fare bundles with corresponding cancellation fees. Passengers will be able to easily manage cancellations and modifications directly through the airline's mobile app or via its official OTA partners.
Riyadh Air Historic Milestones
Founding
Riyadh Air was founded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to support Saudi Vision 2030, marking the beginning of Saudi Arabia's second national carrier.
Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
The airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in April 2025, a crucial step enabling it to commence flight operations.
Inaugural Operational Readiness Flight
Riyadh Air operated its inaugural operational readiness flight to London Heathrow (LHR) on October 26, 2025, demonstrating its readiness for international services.
