Riyadh Air begins test flights today

A Riyadh Air aircraft

Riyadh Air launched today, Sept. 12, its first test flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

These flights are part of the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s requirements for the air operator certificate. The test flights are conducted without passengers onboard, the company said on its X account. 

These test runs will continue in the coming months, with flights to several local and international destinations in preparation for the official operations in 2025.

The airlines CEO, Tony Douglas, said in May that Riyadh Air is closely working with Boeing and Airbus to ensure flights begin in summer 2025 as planned, Argaam earlier reported.

In March 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the establishment of Riyadh Air by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to develop the aviation sector and boost the Kingdom’s strategic position.

Riyadh Air aims to serve over 100 destinations globally by 2030 and has ordered 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for its fleet.