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Riyadh Air Secures US Flight Approval

June 16, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Riyadh Air secures US flight approval from Department of Transportation.
Approval includes exemption and foreign air carrier permit.
Riyadh Air begins US operations immediately.
Airline expands international routes to Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester.

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Strategic Implications

Riyadh Air's approval may signal the US Department of Transportation's openness to new international carriers, which could increase competition in the transatlantic market. The airline's rapid expansion suggests a strong growth strategy, which may indicate a shift in the global aviation landscape.

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What Happened

Saudi Startup Cleared For US Operations Amid Rapid Expansion

Saudi startup Riyadh Air has secured approval from the US Department of Transportation to operate US flights, following its application last month. The approval includes an exemption and a foreign air carrier permit, allowing Riyadh Air to begin operations to and from the US immediately. The airline has been expanding rapidly, with recent launches of full-service flights to London, domestic commercial flights to Jeddah, and upcoming routes to Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: June 16, 2026

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