Riyadh Air launches first London flight, marking milestone in Vision 2030
New Saudi carrier to begin Dubai service this winter
DUBAI – Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, marked a major milestone yesterday with the successful launch of its inaugural daily service from King Khalid International Airport to London Heathrow.
Operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner named Jamila, the flight represents a central step in the Kingdom’s plan to become a leading global aviation hub under Vision 2030.
The debut service, lasting nearly seven hours, carried only Riyadh Air employees and select guests as part of the airline’s operational readiness phase.
It allows the carrier to fine-tune its cabin experience, crew coordination, and ground handling procedures before opening to the public in 2025.
‘Pathway to Perfect’ plan
The new route forms part of Riyadh Air’s Pathway to Perfect programme, designed to ensure flawless performance ahead of its commercial debut. Each flight in this phase is intended to refine every detail – from check-in to in-flight service – delivering a seamless experience that reflects the airline’s goal of world-class quality and authentic Saudi hospitality.
Launched in March 2023 and wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air is positioned as a digitally led, full-service carrier incorporating next-generation sustainability practices and advanced aircraft technology.
Riyadh to London
The London connection marks the first of several international destinations planned by Riyadh Air. The airline will soon begin flights to Dubai, followed by a series of routes across Europe, Asia, and Africa through 2025 and 2026. By the end of the decade, it aims to serve more than 100 destinations worldwide.
Riyadh Air is expected to add more than $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Its operations form a key part of the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy, which targets more than 150 million annual visitors by 2030.
The carrier secured its Air Operator Certificate earlier this year after meeting all regulatory and safety requirements.