Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, Riyadh Air, has officially launched its first public passenger service ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone in the carrier’s journey toward commercial operations. Flight RX401 arrived at Heathrow Airport on June 10, 2026, nearly three weeks earlier than originally planned.
The surprise early launch was made possible after Boeing delivered the airline’s first three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners ahead of schedule. The new widebody aircraft are expected to form the backbone of Riyadh Air’s long-haul network as the carrier rapidly expands its operations.
Riyadh Air has already outlined an ambitious route expansion plan. Daily flights to Jeddah are scheduled to begin on June 14, followed by Dubai on June 18 and Cairo on June 25. The airline will continue expanding into Europe later this year, with services to Madrid launching on July 17 and Manchester on July 23.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air aims to connect more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. The carrier is expected to play a central role in the Kingdom’s efforts to transform Riyadh into a major global aviation hub and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position in international air travel.
