Riyadh Air receives DOT approval to operate US flights

Dhaka: Saudi Arabia's new national flag carrier Riyadh Air has received approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate flights to and from the United States, following an application filed last month.

The DOT said on June 16 that Riyadh Air's application, submitted on May 5, sought an exemption under 49 U.S.C. §40109 along with a foreign air carrier permit.

The department determined that granting the exemption for a two-year term, or until the permit takes effect, whichever comes first, was warranted.

It noted that the airline had demonstrated its financial and operational capabilities for providing the proposed services and that the approval served the public interest.

The DOT added that Riyadh Air holds proper licensing from Saudi Arabia and that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) raised no objections to the request.

The exemption functions as a temporary measure, allowing Riyadh Air to begin US operations while the foreign air carrier permit process continues. The authorization took effect immediately, though the DOT retains the right to amend or revoke it without a hearing.

The approval comes during a busy stretch for the young carrier. Riyadh Air launched its first full-service flight on June 10, with a maiden journey to London Heathrow Airport.

Four days later, on June 14, the airline completed its first domestic commercial flight, connecting the Saudi capital with Jeddah.

Additional routes from Riyadh King Khalid International Airport are scheduled to begin to Dubai on June 18 and Cairo on June 25. Service to Madrid and Manchester will follow on July 17 and July 23, respectively.

While not confirmed by Riyadh Air, reports suggest the carrier may also add routes to Amman, Islamabad, Lahore, Mumbai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manila.