Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to launch services to the United States, marking another key milestone in the airline’s international expansion.
The Saudi startup formally applied for U.S. operating authority in May, seeking a foreign air carrier permit and exemption authority to operate scheduled and charter services between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. and beyond.
In an order issued on June 16, the DOT granted Riyadh Air immediate exemption authority and tentatively approved the airline’s foreign air carrier permit, subject to the standard show-cause process. The exemption will remain in force for two years or until the permit becomes final.
“We find that the grant of this authority is consistent with the public interest and that the applicant has demonstrated, based on the record, that it is financially and operationally qualified to perform the services authorized,” the DOT said.
Riyadh Air is also preparing to enter the Thai market. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) recently allocated airport slots for the 2026/27 winter season, including seven weekly flights between Riyadh and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The allocation was announced following the 158th IATA Slot Conference held in Bangkok.
Riyadh Air launched ticket sales in mid-May and inaugurated its first international commercial flight to London Heathrow on June 10. Daily domestic flights to Jeddah began on June 14, while international routes to Cairo, Dubai, Madrid and Manchester are also being rolled out, with additional destinations expected in the coming months.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air aims to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030. Chief executive Tony Douglas recently said the airline expects to operate to 22 cities by March 2027, with its fleet growing to eight aircraft by the end of July.
