PIF-owned Riyadh Air has expanded its network to Jeddah, Madrid, and Manchester.
These will join its London, Cairo, Dubai routes. The start-up airline aims to fully launch commercial operations this summer after months of delays.
“As we move closer to full operational launch, every new destination brings us closer to building a network designed for the new era of travel, connecting Riyadh to the world and shaping its role as a global hub,” said Riyadh Air.
The airline had originally planned to launch operations a year prior, but delivery constraints from Boeing for its new widebodies had delayed its full operational launch.
However, the airline did commence route proving flights to London Heathrow in October on its technical spare 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The aircraft was previously operated by Oman Air.
The airline is awaiting its first factory-built Boeing widebodies before launching full commercial operations.
In November 2024, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said at an Aviation Club Lunch: “Aircraft is always a principal issue. We cannot operate until we take our first three aircraft. With the third aircraft, we're up and running, and in the game."
Douglas had said it was expecting deliveries in 2025, but a year later the airline is still awaiting those deliveries.
Boeing's CEO Kelly Ortberg said at a recent annual shareholder meeting that deliveries have remained stable stable despite the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. However, AE+ SVP appraisals & asset risk advisory Gary Crichlow noted that aircraft OEMs do remain exposed to the already fraught global supply chain. Movement of parts and materials could be affected by the volatile fuel environment, as well as airspace closure and disruption to the Strait of Hormuz.
Riyadh Air has not yet confirmed whether the conflict has had any impact on deliveries or launch date. With today's announcement regarding further planned routes, the company appears to remain confident about its launch prospects in the summer.