**Riyadh Air Set to Initiate Public Commercial Flights**
Riyadh Air, the bold airline startup financed by Saudi Arabian investments, has revealed its intentions to start regularly scheduled commercial flights accessible to the public. While the airline has been active for several months, ticket sales for the general public had not been offered earlier. This is about to change as Riyadh Air gears up to launch its public services.
**Riyadh Air Tickets Available for Flights Commencing July 1, 2026**
Riyadh Air, with its ambitious growth strategy, has placed large orders for aircraft, including up to 72 Boeing 787-9s, 60 Airbus A321neos, and 50 Airbus A350-1000s. Originally expected to kick off operations in the summer of 2025, the launch faced delays due to issues with Boeing 787 deliveries and the time required to prepare customized interiors.
The airline’s inaugural route links Riyadh (RUH) and London (LHR). Riyadh Air ingeniously initiated this service to maintain its Heathrow slots, which necessitate usage to avoid loss. Since late October 2025, the airline has been operating this route using a spare aircraft from Oman Air, which does not feature the standard Riyadh Air interiors.
During this phase, flights were not available to the public and were utilized by airline staff, employees of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and their families as part of the “Pathway to Perfect go-to-market plan.”
Now, Riyadh Air is prepared to invite the public on board, with tickets on offer for flights starting July 1, 2026. The service timetable is as follows:
– RX401 Riyadh to London departing 2:35 AM, arriving 7:30 AM
– RX402 London to Riyadh departing 9:35 AM, arriving 6:05 PM
**CEO’s Statement and Vision 2030**
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas conveyed his enthusiasm about this significant milestone, underscoring the airline’s dedication to delivering a world-class experience that blends comfort, technology, and Saudi hospitality. The airline seeks to connect Saudi Arabia with the UK and other global locations, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
**Riyadh Air Fares and Loyalty Program**
Riyadh Air provides three fare options across its cabins: Lite, Smart, and Flex in economy and premium economy, along with Smart, Flex, and Elite in business class. Business class fares for a roundtrip from London to Riyadh start at approximately 27,000 SAR (~7,200 USD), while fares from Riyadh to London begin at around 18,500 SAR (~4,930 USD). A combination of business class and economy for one-way travel starts at roughly 10,500 SAR (~2,800 USD).
The airline has also made available seat maps on its website, showcasing a special Business Elite product in the first row, similar to “business class plus” offerings. This option incurs an additional 1,000 SAR (~266 USD) unless included in the most premium business class fare package.
Riyadh Air’s Sfeer loyalty program aims to partner with various SkyTeam airlines, including Air France-KLM, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic, enhancing loyalty advantages for passengers.
**Conclusion**
Riyadh Air is ready to start selling tickets to the public for flights beginning July 1, 2026. Having operated between Riyadh and London since late October 2025 without public sales, the airline is now set to unveil its custom-fitted Boeing 787 and fulfill its commitments to an outstanding passenger experience. The aviation community is keenly anticipating firsthand accounts of Riyadh Air’s service quality.
**What are your opinions on the launch of Riyadh Air’s public ticket sales?**