Riyadh Air is set to take to the skies for the first time within weeks, but there’s one huge catch. The airline startup is Saudi Arabia’s new second national carrier, and has been making waves for its ambitious expansion plans, focus on technology, and stunning luxury-focused cabins and service.

The airline is set to launch daily flights to London within weeks, and to Dubai shortly thereafter. But there’s one huge catch for these first Riyadh Air flights - you can’t actually fly on them.

Riyadh Air To Fly From October 2025

From 26 October 2025, Riyadh Air will commence daily flights from Riyadh to London Heathrow. These flights will begin as a soft-launch using Riyadh’s technical spare Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which has been named Jamila (the Arabic word for beautiful). While this aircraft has been painted in the Riyadh Air livery, it previously flew with Oman Air, and retains Oman’s cabin across both Economy and Business.

Because these aircraft don’t feature Riyadh Air’s cabin, the airline has made the sensible decision to delay its public launch. These flights will initially be offered to invited guests and Riyadh Air employees only, allowing the airline valuable time to iron out any kinks with its soft product.

The decision to run these flights has been somewhat forced, as Riyadh was recently awarded valuable slots at London Heathrow. If the airline chose not to operate these presumably near-empty flights, it would lose the slots, which are hard to obtain in the first place.

In addition to the slot issue, the delivery of Riyadh Air’s three-class Boeing 787 was delayed, something airlines worldwide continue to battle. In addition, safety certifications for the gorgeous and highly customised interiors are taking time. Because of this, flights featuring the airline’s own cabins won’t take to the skies until the middle of November.

RX401 will depart Riyadh at 3:15am, for an early morning arrival in London at 7:30am local time. The return RX402 is scheduled to depart London at 9:30am, for a touchdown in Riyadh at 7:15pm local time.

Riyadh Air’s second destination of Dubai is expected to launch shortly after the London service. It is expected that further destinations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Introduction Of Riyadh Air’s Sfeer Loyalty Program

As well as announcing its first flights, Riyadh Air has released details of its new Sfeer frequent flyer program. Sfeer means ambassador in Arabic, and the airline promises their scheme will be a unique and exciting offering, that combines community engagement and gamified experiences.

Registration for Sfeer membership is now open via www.riyadhair.com, and early registrants will be welcomed into an exclusive 'The Founders' club. Riyadh Air says these members will receive priority access to bookings on future flights, along with other benefits.

While we don’t yet know everything about Riyadh Air Sfeer, here’s what they’ve confirmed:

• Sfeer Points do not expire.
• Points can be earned on Riyadh Air flights, partner airlines, and on the ground.
• Partners include sister airline Saudia, plus Air China, Air France, China Eastern, Delta, Egyptair, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
• Status tiers will launch in early 2026, with all prior flights counting towards qualification.
• There are four status tiers, with the first three branded Silver, Gold and Platinum.
• Status qualification is revenue-based via Level Points
• Members can share both Sfeer Points and Level Points with family and friends.
• Lounge access is offered for some status tiers.
• All members receive free in-flight WiFi.