Riyadh Air Gets U.S. Flight Approval

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, has received official approval to operate flights between the Kingdom and the United States. The clearance was issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation on 16 June 2026 and described as effective immediately.

The approval came in the form of a foreign air carrier permit and exemption authority covering flights between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. The exemption was granted for a two-year term or until the permit becomes fully effective, whichever comes first.

Despite the green light, the airline has not yet announced a launch date for its U.S. services, nor has it confirmed which American city or cities will be served first. No ticket prices or booking steps for these future flights are available at this stage.

Why it matters

The approval marks another step in Riyadh Air's rapid international expansion. The carrier launched its first commercial route to London Heathrow in June 2026, and has since added connections including Manchester, Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Jeddah.

For residents and travellers in the Kingdom, a future direct link to the United States would add a new option for long-haul journeys and strengthen Saudi Arabia's growing role as a global aviation hub. Saudi Living will share further details on routes, schedules, and booking once the airline publishes them.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving