Riyadh Air Starts Ticket Sales for Riyadh-London Flights on July 1

Riyadh Air is set to begin selling tickets for its first passengers traveling between Riyadh and London on July 1, marking a major step for Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier as it prepares to receive its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner within weeks, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. The airline, which is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, is using the British capital as its entry point into the global aviation market.

The move comes as the carrier moves closer to formal operations after a period of preparation focused on aircraft deliveries, regulatory approvals and route planning. The first plane expected for the airline’s fleet is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a wide-body jet known for long-haul efficiency and modern cabin design. Riyadh Air’s early service to London is intended to introduce the brand on one of the world’s busiest premium travel corridors and to build recognition ahead of a broader network launch.

According to the reports, the first passenger flights are tied to the arrival of the aircraft and the opening of sales on July 1. The airline has been positioning the London route as a key milestone, reflecting both the importance of the UK market and Riyadh Air’s ambition to establish itself quickly as an international competitor. The carrier has previously said it aims to connect Riyadh with major cities worldwide and support Saudi Arabia’s wider aviation and tourism goals.

The launch also matters because Riyadh Air is part of a larger national strategy to expand air travel, improve connectivity and diversify the economy. As a new flag carrier, it is expected to play a central role in linking the Saudi capital to global business and leisure destinations, while helping make Riyadh a more prominent hub for transit passengers.

What happens next will depend on the final steps of aircraft delivery and the airline’s rollout of operations. With ticket sales starting and the first Dreamliner nearing arrival, Riyadh Air is moving from announcement stage to active service — a development watched closely in the region’s aviation industry and beyond.