Saudi Arabian startup Riyadh Air has received formal approval from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin flight operations to and from the country. This regulatory clearance follows an application submitted by the carrier on May 5, 2026.
According to the DOT, the airline has been granted exemption authority for a two-year term, or until a permanent foreign air carrier permit is issued. The department concluded that Riyadh Air is both financially and operationally qualified to provide the requested services. The Federal Aviation Administration advised the DOT that there were no objections to granting the request.
This authorization takes effect immediately, though the DOT retains the right to modify or revoke the decision. The approval comes shortly after the airline’s recent operational milestones, including its maiden commercial flight to London Heathrow on June 10, 2026, and its first domestic service between Riyadh and Jeddah on June 14, 2026.
While Riyadh Air has not yet confirmed specific U.S. routes, the airline continues to expand its global footprint with upcoming services scheduled for Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester.