Riyadh Air Launches First Passenger Flight from Saudi Arabia to London Heathrow
Riyadh Air, the new national airline of Saudi Arabia, marked its first passenger flight on October 26, 2025.
Flight RX401 took off from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 3:26 AM and arrived at London Heathrow (LHR) just over six hours later.
Initially, the flight was exclusively for Riyadh Air staff, members of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and select guests. This approach of prioritizing company insiders will continue for several upcoming flights.
Riyadh Air aims to establish a daily link between Saudi and British capitals and has plans for an ambitious network expansion. By 2030, the airline intends to serve over 100 destinations, with Dubai (DXB) expected to be the next stop.
The inaugural London route is operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registration HZ-RXX. This aircraft has been available for crew training and certification since January 2025. It is leased from Oman Air and is separate from Riyadh Air’s initial order for 72 Dreamliners placed with Boeing at the 2023 Paris Air Show. This order includes 39 firm aircraft and options for 33 more. Furthermore, Riyadh Air has also secured additional orders for Airbus planes, including 60 A321neo and up to 50 A350 aircraft.
The first new aircraft are projected to be delivered by the close of 2025.
Riyadh Air obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in April 2025.
What are your thoughts on the future of Riyadh Air?
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