Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing airline Riyadh Air has received approval from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to operate flights to and from the US, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s international expansion strategy.

The approval was granted on June 16 after Riyadh Air submitted an application for foreign air carrier authority in May, requesting expedited consideration as it prepares for rapid network growth.

The decision clears the way for the airline to begin serving the lucrative North American market as it works toward an ambitious goal of connecting more than 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the decade.

Key step in Vision 2030 ambitions

Launched in 2023, Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline and a central component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and strengthen the country’s tourism and aviation sectors.

The airline is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and has outlined plans to build one of the region’s largest international networks.

In its submission to US regulators, Riyadh Air stated that it intends to expand rapidly, supported by a fleet of more than 180 aircraft currently on order.

The carrier has set a target of serving more than 100 international destinations by 2030, positioning Riyadh as a major global aviation hub.

Fleet and network expansion gathering pace

Riyadh Air has already begun accelerating its launch programme.

The airline recently brought forward the start of its London operations after taking delivery of its third Boeing 787-9 aircraft within a single week.

According to Reuters, chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas has indicated that the airline expects its fleet to reach eight aircraft by the end of July and serve 22 destinations by March 2027.

The rapid growth reflects the carrier’s strategy of quickly establishing a global presence across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.

Delta partnership strengthens US strategy

Riyadh Air’s future US operations are expected to benefit from a growing network of international airline partnerships.

The carrier has indicated that it already has or is developing relationships with at least 10 airlines worldwide, including Delta Air Lines.

Last year, Delta and Riyadh Air signed a strategic partnership agreement that designates Riyadh Air as Delta’s exclusive partner in Riyadh, while Delta becomes Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in North America.

The agreement is expected to create extensive connectivity opportunities for passengers travelling between Saudi Arabia and the United States through coordinated services, loyalty benefits and future codeshare arrangements.

Growing competition in the Gulf aviation market

The USDOT approval represents another major step in Riyadh Air’s efforts to establish itself alongside the region’s leading global carriers.

With substantial financial backing, a rapidly expanding fleet and strategic partnerships already in place, the airline is positioning itself to compete for international traffic flows connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and North America through Saudi Arabia.

As Riyadh Air continues to build its network, the newly secured US operating authority provides access to one of the world’s most important aviation markets and strengthens the carrier’s ambitions to become a major global airline by the end of the decade.