Riyadh Air Secures AOC, Set to Begin Flights by 2025

Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a new era in aviation—and at the heart of it is Riyadh Air. In a bold step toward redefining air travel in the region, the Kingdom’s newest national carrier has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), paving the way for commercial operations to take off by the end of 2025.

In a ceremony attended by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the AOC was handed over by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej to Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas.

This moment marks a major milestone for the airline—and for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aviation strategy.

The AOC was granted after Riyadh Air successfully met all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Law. Over 11 months, a dedicated team of 10 Saudi aviation safety inspectors oversaw more than 200 hours of test flights to ensure the airline met the highest international standards.

According to GACA, this certification reflects its commitment to world-class regulatory practices and is a key step toward elevating the passenger experience while maintaining global aviation safety benchmarks. More than just a license, the AOC supports GACA’s broader mission: creating a thriving, sustainable aviation sector that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Speaking at the event, Minister Al-Jasser emphasized that Riyadh Air’s certification is a foundational pillar of the Kingdom’s National Aviation Strategy.

The strategy aims to transform Saudi Arabia into the Middle East’s leading aviation hub—connecting three continents, boosting tourism, and positioning Riyadh as a central gateway for global transportation and trade.

Looking ahead, Riyadh Air plans to launch operations to more than 100 international destinations by 2030. Backed by orders for over 132 aircraft, the airline is poised to become a major player in the skies.

Its impact on the economy will be equally significant—with projections to create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute around SAR 75 billion (approximately $19.9 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP.

This AOC follows Riyadh Air’s receipt of its Economic License in June 2023, completing the regulatory foundation for the airline’s launch.

With its eyes set on the skies and its roots firmly planted in Vision 2030, Riyadh Air is not just preparing for takeoff—it’s ready to soar into the future of global aviation.