Riyadh Air Cleared for US Flights

Riyadh Air has obtained the legal clearance needed to operate scheduled passenger flights between Saudi Arabia and the United States, giving the airline the green light to launch commercial services on the route.

The clearance comes through a foreign air carrier permit and a two-year exemption authority issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The exemption authority is valid for two years from its issuance on 16 June 2026, or until the permanent foreign air carrier permit takes effect, whichever comes first.

While the airline is now legally cleared to fly to and from the United States, it has not yet announced specific U.S. routes, launch dates, or fare structures. Passengers should watch for official updates before making travel plans.

What travellers need to know

When Riyadh Air flights to the U.S. eventually go on sale, tickets will be available through the airline's official website booking engine, its mobile app for iOS and Android, and approved travel agents and global distribution systems. No Saudi e-government platform, such as أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, or توكلنا, is required to book or use these flights.

Passengers departing Saudi airports on flights to the United States pay several regulated charges added to the ticket price. These include an Airport Passenger Protection Program security charge of 8 SAR a special security charge of 13 SAR for each passenger departing to the USA or UK (non-refundable), and an international passenger service charge of 87 SAR

Other operating charges, including airport building charges, landing charges, and aircraft parking fees, are paid by the operating airline rather than directly by travellers. The new authority marks a significant step in expanding direct air links between the Kingdom and the United States.

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