Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air operated its first domestic flight to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, marking its entry onto one of the world’s busiest air routes, Saudi Press Agency reported on June 14.
The launch hands the start-up airline immediate exposure to one of the heaviest-trafficked domestic markets anywhere, as Saudi Arabia leans on a second flag carrier to expand capacity and cement Riyadh as an international connecting hub under its economic diversification drive. The Riyadh-Jeddah corridor was ranked the fifth most active domestic air route worldwide in 2025, with 9.8mn seats, according to aviation data firm OAG.
The inaugural flight departed King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh at 9:00 am and landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) at 10:50 am. On board were Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz Al-Duailej and Riyadh Air board member Raed Ismail, alongside aviation sector officials.
Service to Jeddah begins with two flights a day from June 14, rising to three from June 18 and reaching four daily by July 2.
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas said operating to Jeddah marked an important stage in the company’s drive to build a network connecting the kingdom to the world, adding that the route served a large segment of business and leisure travellers and supported Saudi Vision 2030 targets for developing the aviation sector and strengthening air connectivity.
Jeddah Airports Company Chief Executive Officer Engineer Mazen Johar said Riyadh Air’s entry onto the route showed integration across the national aviation system and would widen travel options and lift the quality of services offered to passengers.
King Abdulaziz International Airport served more than 14.8mn passengers across about 84,000 flights in the first quarter of 2026, he said.
The new flights support Riyadh Air’s goal of reaching more than 100 destinations worldwide, with the Riyadh-Jeddah route underpinning business, tourism, Hajj and Umrah traffic.
Passengers can book through the Riyadh Air app, the website riyadhair.com or accredited travel agents and platforms.