Overcoming Geopolitical Turmoil, Riyadh Air Makes Inaugural Flight to UK
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's second national airline, successfully launched its inaugural flight to London, UK today after more than a year of delays, overcoming geopolitical instability and fierce competition.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 18:01
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(Central News Agency, Riyadh, 10th, Combined Foreign Reports) After more than a year of delays, Saudi Arabia's second national airline, "Riyadh Air," launched its inaugural flight today, overcoming economic turmoil caused by the US-led war with Israel against Iran and fierce competition from established airlines in the Persian Gulf region.
According to AFP, a Riyadh Air Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off at 2:30 AM local time, heading to London, UK.
Riyadh Air is the second state-owned airline in Saudi Arabia, following Saudi Arabian Airlines.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas stated, "Our goal is to establish routes to over 100 international cities within the next five years."
The launch of this Saudi national airline was originally scheduled for 2025, but was delayed due to a series of manufacturing and safety issues faced by Boeing in recent years.
Iran previously launched an unprecedented attack, firing a large number of drones and missiles at several targets in the Persian Gulf region, including airports, suddenly plunging the area into economic uncertainty.
For Douglas, this inaugural flight is "the culmination of four years of preparation."
Saudi Arabia is building a large new airport in the capital Riyadh, which is planned to handle 120 million passengers annually upon completion. The existing King Khalid International Airport has an annual capacity of 53 million passengers.
Riyadh Air is affiliated with the Public Investment Fund, which is worth up to $900 billion. This fund is the main tool for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious economic transformation plan, "Vision 2030." (Compiled by Chen Yanjun) 1150610
According to AFP, a Riyadh Air Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off at 2:30 AM local time, heading to London, UK.
Riyadh Air is the second state-owned airline in Saudi Arabia, following Saudi Arabian Airlines.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas stated, "Our goal is to establish routes to over 100 international cities within the next five years."
The launch of this Saudi national airline was originally scheduled for 2025, but was delayed due to a series of manufacturing and safety issues faced by Boeing in recent years.
Iran previously launched an unprecedented attack, firing a large number of drones and missiles at several targets in the Persian Gulf region, including airports, suddenly plunging the area into economic uncertainty.
For Douglas, this inaugural flight is "the culmination of four years of preparation."
Saudi Arabia is building a large new airport in the capital Riyadh, which is planned to handle 120 million passengers annually upon completion. The existing King Khalid International Airport has an annual capacity of 53 million passengers.
Riyadh Air is affiliated with the Public Investment Fund, which is worth up to $900 billion. This fund is the main tool for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious economic transformation plan, "Vision 2030." (Compiled by Chen Yanjun) 1150610
FAQ
Where did Riyadh Air's inaugural flight go?
It flew from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to London, UK.
Why was Riyadh Air established?
It was established as part of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification plan, Vision 2030.
What is the parent organization of Riyadh Air?
It is the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.