Saudi’s Riyadh Air Delays Launch to Late 2025

Riyadh Air’s highly anticipated launch, originally slated for mid-2025, has been delayed due to ongoing global aircraft delivery disruptions impacting airlines worldwide.

The Saudi Arabian flag-carrier had planned to begin operations with three Boeing 787-9 aircraft, but it has now taken the unusual step of leasing an Oman Air 787 as a “technical spare,” in addition to the two factory-fresh Dreamliners expected to be part of the launch fleet. It is now scheduled to debut by the end of this year.

While the revised timeline delays the airline's launch, Riyadh Air has revealed its full offerings, including business class suites, premium economy recliners, an inflight entertainment system, and a dedicated app. Additionally, the airline’s initial network will feature long-haul flights from Riyadh to European destinations and regional flights to cities like Jeddah. The airline plans to expand this network by adding two new destinations each month, contingent on the arrival of additional aircraft.