Commercial Aviation
Riyadh Air Debuts with Inaugural Flight to London Heathrow in 2025
Riyadh Air launched its first flight from Riyadh to London as a soft launch step toward full commercial operations aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, officially entered the global aviation scene on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with the successful completion of its inaugural flight to London’s Heathrow Airport. This landmark event represents a critical milestone for the airline and a tangible advancement in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, a national strategy focused on economic diversification and establishing the Kingdom as a premier global logistics and travel hub. The flight signals the beginning of a new chapter in Middle Eastern aviation, positioning Riyadh as a burgeoning competitor to established regional hubs.
The inaugural service, however, was not a typical commercial launch. Instead, Riyadh Air opted for a strategic “soft launch,” with the first flights exclusively carrying employees of the airline and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns the carrier. This calculated approach allows the airline to meticulously test and refine its operational procedures, service standards, and ground handling processes in a real-world environment. By ensuring every detail is perfected before opening ticket sales to the public, Riyadh Air aims to deliver a seamless and world-class passenger experience from day one of its full commercial operations.
The first flight, designated RX401, departed from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh at 3:26 AM local time. After a journey of nearly seven hours, it touched down at London Heathrow (LHR) at 7:14 AM local time, marking a precise and successful execution of its first long-haul operation. The daily service will use the flight number RX402 for its return leg from London to Riyadh. This route was strategically chosen as the airline’s debut, utilizing valuable and highly coveted landing slots at one of the world’s busiest international Airports.
Operating this historic flight was a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bearing the registration HZ-RXX. The aircraft has been affectionately nicknamed “Jamila,” an Arabic word meaning “beautiful.” This specific aircraft is a technical spare, formerly part of Oman Air’s fleet, which Riyadh Air has been using for extensive crew training and certification flights throughout 2025. The use of a temporary aircraft underscores the airline’s determination to meet its stated goal of commencing operations within 2025, even as it awaits the Delivery of its own custom-configured fleet.
Riyadh Air has placed significant Orders for new aircraft, including a landmark deal for 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, to build a modern and efficient fleet. The first of these brand-new, factory-direct aircraft are expected to be delivered before the end of 2025. The “Jamila” aircraft has been instrumental in allowing the airline to achieve its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in April 2025 and to proceed with this operational soft launch on schedule. This phased approach ensures that when the new fleet arrives, the crews and operational teams are already seasoned and prepared for a full-scale rollout.
“Our commitment to begin operations in 2025 is being fulfilled. This rigorous flight program on Jamila allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and world-class experience. This carefully sequenced approach is our pathway to perfect. We are now incredibly close to full operations.”, Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air
The launch of Riyadh Air is far more than the establishment of a new airline; it is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Owned and funded by the PIF, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the carrier is tasked with transforming Riyadh into a global aviation gateway. The airline has set an ambitious target to connect the Saudi capital with over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, aiming to triple air traffic to the Kingdom and attract millions of tourists and business travelers.
By entering the market with substantial financial backing and a clear strategic mandate, Riyadh Air is poised to become a major competitor to the established “big three” Gulf carriers. Its strategy focuses on leveraging Riyadh’s geographic location to offer efficient connections between Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The airline’s launch on the highly competitive Riyadh-London route is a clear statement of intent, signaling its readiness to compete on major international trunk routes from the outset.
In conjunction with its operational debut, Riyadh Air also unveiled its new loyalty program, named “Sfeer.” The development of a customer loyalty ecosystem from day one indicates a focus on building a strong brand and retaining customers in a crowded marketplace. As the Airlines expands its network and fleet, its impact on airfares, service standards, and route availability across the region is expected to be significant, offering travelers more choice and fostering increased competition. The successful inaugural flight to London is a foundational step in Riyadh Air’s long-term journey. It marks the transition from a well-funded startup to an active airline, demonstrating its operational capability and unwavering commitment to its 2025 launch timeline. This initial, employee-focused phase is crucial for building a robust operational backbone, ensuring that when the doors open to the public, the airline is prepared to meet the high expectations it has set for itself.
Looking ahead, Riyadh Air is preparing for rapid expansion. Following the establishment of the London route, the airline plans to launch services to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the coming weeks. Further network growth is anticipated in early 2026, with additional destinations in Europe slated to be added. This expansion will be fueled by the arrival of its new Boeing 787 fleet, allowing the carrier to scale its operations and begin building the comprehensive global network envisioned in its 2030 goals.
Question: When was Riyadh Air’s first official flight? Question: Are Riyadh Air flights available for public booking? Question: What are the long-term goals for Riyadh Air?
Riyadh Air Marks Global Debut with Inaugural Flight to London
The Inaugural Journey: A Closer Look
The Aircraft: ‘Jamila’ Paves the Way
Strategic Ambitions and Vision 2030
A New Contender in a Competitive Market
The Path Forward: From Soft Launch to Global Player
FAQ
Answer: Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight, RX401, operated on October 26, 2025, from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Answer: Not at this moment. The initial flights are part of a “soft launch” phase, available only to employees of Riyadh Air and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to test and perfect operations. A full public rollout is expected to follow.
Answer: As a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Riyadh Air aims to connect the Saudi capital to over 100 destinations globally by the year 2030, transforming the city into a major hub for international air travel and logistics.
Sources
Photo Credit: Riyadh Air