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Riyadh Air to launch inaugural flight to London on October 26

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on October 8, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Riyadh Air to launch inaugural flight to London on October 26
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RIYADH (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air is set to launch its inaugural flight on October 26, with Britain's Heathrow Airport as its first destination, state TV reported on Wednesday. Riyadh Air's

Riyadh Air to launch inaugural flight to London on October 26

RIYADH (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air is set to launch its inaugural flight on October 26, with Britain's Heathrow Airport as its first destination, state TV reported on Wednesday.

Riyadh Air's CEO Tony Douglas said in a press conference that the second destination will be Dubai.

Douglas added that initial ticket sales will be for Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund (PIF) and Riyadh Air employees, and public sales will follow soon.

Saudi Arabia announced in 2023 the creation of Riyadh Air which is wholly owned by PIF, and is expected to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030.

Saudi state TV added that the company will receive Boeing 787-9 aircraft within months.

(Reporting by Ahmed Elimam and Jana Choukeir; Writing by Tala Ramadan and Ahmed Elimam; Editing by Louise Heavens)

Key Takeaways

  • Riyadh Air's first flight is on October 26 to London.
  • Heathrow Airport is the inaugural destination.
  • Initial ticket sales are for PIF and employees.
  • Public ticket sales will commence soon.
  • Riyadh Air plans to serve 100 destinations by 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Riyadh Air?
Riyadh Air is a new airline wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), aiming to operate over 100 destinations by 2030.
What is a sovereign wealth fund?
A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment fund or entity that manages the national savings for the purposes of investment.
What is an inaugural flight?
An inaugural flight is the first flight of a new airline or route, marking the official start of its operations.
What are Boeing 787-9 aircraft?
Boeing 787-9 is a long-haul, wide-body, twin-engine jet that is known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
What is ticket sales?
Ticket sales refer to the process of selling tickets for travel or events, which can include pre-sales for specific groups before public sales.

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