Saudi Arabia has officially launched Riyadh Air, the kingdom’s second national carrier, marking a major milestone in its push to transform Riyadh into a global aviation hub.
The launch ceremony took place at King Khalid International Airport, where the airline unveiled its first Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Riyadh Air has outlined ambitious plans to connect the Saudi capital with dozens of international destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas said the airline expects rapid fleet expansion in the coming months as operations scale up.
Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan highlighted the project’s broader economic impact, including job creation and growth in non-oil sectors under Saudi Arabia’s diversification strategy.
Officials say the airline is designed to position Riyadh as a major global transit hub, competing with established aviation centers in the region and beyond.
The launch is part of the kingdom’s wider Vision 2030 plan aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenues and expanding tourism and logistics.
Industry analysts say the entry of Riyadh Air could intensify competition in the Middle East aviation market.
The new carrier is expected to play a key role in increasing passenger traffic through Saudi Arabia in the coming years.
With its debut fleet now revealed, Riyadh Air begins operations as one of the most closely watched new airlines in the global aviation sector.
