Clear the runway, Riyadh air license has been issued.
Got travel plans later in 2025? Riyadh Air will be flying you to your dream destination.
The brand-new national carrier and the final word in luxurious air travel has been preparing for a 2025 take-off with an official song as well as sleek air crew uniforms.
Now the purple airline has been issued its GACA Air Operator certificate, meaning your travels to and from all of the Kingdom’s airports in the lap of comfort and indulgence have become that much more real.
With the GACA certificate, Riyadh Air has completed all the all regulatory and operational requirements for the executive regulations of the Civil Aviation Law.
Can’t wait to soar through the clouds? Here is everything you need to know about the airline’s imminent launch.
Riyadh Air license 2025
Riyadh Air took off officially on March 12, 2023, thanks to a directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), it’s part of Saudi Arabia’s big Vision 2030 game plan—shaking up the economy, boosting tourism, and giving the aviation world a major glow-up.
Helmed by Tony Douglas, the former CEO of UAE’s Etihad Airways, the airline is set to be a digital-first offering. What that means is that it is going to make travel smarter and smoother with the help of AI and cool new tech! Think an all-in-one app where you can plan your whole trip—flights, hotels, the works—right from your phone. Stress-free travel, here we come.
Riyadh Air launch date
Now that Riyadh Air license has been been cleared, it is ready to fly sky high. The first flight is scheduled to take off in Q3 of 2025. There are no official dates yet, but keep up with Destination KSA to learn when those are announced.
Riyadh Air locations
While he full list of locations has not been released, you can expect flights to western European capitals, Asia, and Africa. With the Riyadh Air license being stamped, it can also operate in North America, a location that seems to be a priority for the national carriers.
Riyadh Air will call the King Salman International Airport home once it is completed and fly to over 100 locations by 2030.
Riyadh Air song and partnerships
Not only is Riyadh Air licensed fully, it also has an awesome official song that was produced at the iconic Abbey Studios with the help of the Saudi National Orchestra. It is also an official partner of the first-ever global golf league, LIV Golf.
Dribbling its way into footie, the airline has been the main sponsor of La Liga’s Atlético de Madrid since 2023. It is also the main airline sponsor of the FIFA CONCACAF Gold Cup.
More in Saudi travel
Looking for more grounded travelling? The Riyadh Metro has been running on colorful veins of the capital and helping us beat traffic. There is also the metro bus on demand service making travelling to and from the stations smoother.
Q3 2025. Across Saudi, riyadhair.com / @riyadhair.
