Ambitious airline startup Riyadh Air has been promising that it will launch flights before the end of 2025. The carrier’s launch timeline had been delayed, due to Boeing 787 delivery delays (which all airlines are dealing with), presumably combined with some delays with installing the carrier’s custom interiors, given all the supply chain and certification constraints.
Along those lines, the airline has now announced the details of its plans to launch operations, including its first route. The airline is taking an unusual approach to this, but is fulfilling its promise of launching flights in 2025.
Riyadh Air’s Riyadh to London flights launch shortly
Riyadh Air has announced that as of October 26, 2025, the airline will operate daily flights between Riyadh (RUH) and London (LHR). The service will operate with the following schedule:
RX401 Riyadh to London departing 3:15AM arriving 7:30AM
RX402 London to Riyadh departing 9:30AM arriving 7:15PM
The 3,073-mile flight is blocked at 7hr15min westbound and 6hr45min eastbound.
The backstory of why the airline is launching the route so soon is interesting. London Heathrow slots can be very tough to come by, and they either have to be won through a lottery, or can be sold between airlines. Back in July 2025, we learned that the airline received some Heathrow slots through the British Midland remedy process (British Airways parent company IAG acquired British Midland back in 2012, and as a competitive measure, British Airways has to give up select slots).
These slots are awarded on a seasonal basis (so Riyadh Air got them for the winter season), and come with an 80/20 rule, meaning that if airlines don’t use 80% of their slots, they’ll forfeit them. So Riyadh Air’s imminent launch is so that the airline can keep these slots, even if it’s not quite ready for primetime, otherwise.
Riyadh Air will use ex-Oman Air Boeing 787 for flights
Riyadh Air’s brand new Boeing 787-9s aren’t ready to go yet, so how will the airline launch these flights? Well, Riyadh Air actually already has a single Boeing 787-9, with the registration code HZ-RXX, and with the name “Jamila.” This is an eight year old plane that previously flew for Oman Air, before being acquired by Riyadh Air in January 2025.
Riyadh Air never intended to use this plane for regularly scheduled service. Instead, it was acquired so that the airline could get its air operator certificate, for crew training purposes, and for air shows. It was also intended as a potential spare aircraft, in case it’s needed, once the airline acquires its own aircraft.
However, at this point, this is the plane with which Riyadh Air will launch operations. The plane has 30 business class seats and 258 economy class seats. Business class consists of Apex Suites, in a 2-2-2 configuration. I’ve reviewed Oman Air’s business class before, and it’s great.
While I’m a fan of the product, it’s not exactly the splashy debut that Riyadh Air was wanting to make. Then again, I can understand why the leadership at the airline just wants to rip the band-aid off and start service, even if it’s without the intended plane. And along those lines, the airline is taking a unique approach with its launch.
Riyadh Air describes these as “Pathway to Perfect” flights
Here’s what’s interesting. While Riyadh Air will be launching these flights in a matter of weeks, they won’t actually be bookable by the public. Instead, they’ll be invitation only flights, for employees of the airline, employees of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and their families. The airline calls this its “Pathway to Perfect go-to-market plan,” sharing the following:
These carefully sequenced flights, initially on sale to select groups and Riyadh Air employees, are a critical phase in ensuring unparalleled operational readiness ahead of receiving the first aircraft deliveries from Boeing, while utilizing Riyadh Air’s recently awarded slot at London Heathrow (LHR).
This important phase of Pathway to Perfect will see flights to Dubai added soon after, transparently demonstrating Riyadh Air’s rigorous commitment to operational excellence. Through a thorough assessment program of these initial launch flights on Jamila, the airline is building operational strength for a smooth, reliable, and world-class premium travel experience, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the highest standards of quality.
Here’s how Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas describes this development:
“This isn’t just a launch; it’s a tangible realization of a vision to connect Saudi Arabia to the world, a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. Our commitment to begin operations in 2025 is being fulfilled. This rigorous flight program on Jamila allows us to fine-tune every detail, ensuring a seamless, reliable, and world-class experience. This carefully sequenced approach is our pathway to perfect, and we are now incredibly close to full operations with further destinations to be announced in the coming weeks as our new aircraft are delivered.”
As you can see, Dubai (DXB) is expected to be Riyadh Air’s second destination, with flights expected to launch within weeks of the London service. More destinations are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The hope remains that in late 2025 or early 2026, the airline will be flying planes with the intended product, and that’s the point at which tickets will fully go on sale to the public.
Bottom line
Riyadh Air will be launching flights between Riyadh and London as of late October 2025. However, these flights will be operated by an ex-Oman Air Boeing 787-9, as Riyadh Air awaits delivery of its first aircraft with custom interiors.
These flights won’t initially be on sale to the public, but are instead intended to preserve slots and perfect the service flow ahead of the official public launch, expected in the coming months. This sure is an interesting way to launch operations…
What do you make of Riyadh Air launching London flights soon?
