Riyadh Air expects to start flights for the general public in the first quarter of 2026, after so far restricting services to its staff and their families, its owner Public Investment Fund and the fund's subsidiaries has said.
The Saudi Arabian start-up airline is considering seven new destinations on its route network after announcing London Heathrow as its first destination, followed by Dubai, Tony Douglas, chief executive of Riyadh Air, told The National.
He declined to reveal the upcoming routes, which will be announced after the airline begins service to Dubai.
“Early in the new year we will be up and running,” Mr Douglas said in an interview at the Dubai Airshow.
“We need a minimum of three aircraft before you can operate general public sales to a level that I'd be happy with.”
A display by the Airbus 350 at the Dubai Airshow. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National The event is attracting lots of delegates to Al Maktoum International Airport Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline and group, at a media conference at the event The Rafale fighter jet is worth a watch as it takes to the skies above Dubai Brad McMullen, left, from Boeing and Yankoba Dieme from Air Senagal sign an agreement An air defence system on display The UAE's Al Fursan aerobatic team put on a display Emirates cabin crew arrive The Omen drone is displayed at the Edge stand Visitors arrive for the event, which is pivotal for airlines in the Middle East Abu Dhabi's Edge is among the companies exhibiting technology at the event A turboprop engine.
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