Riyadh Air has cleared its final US economic hurdle, with the Department of Transportation approving exemption authority and a foreign air carrier permit for flights to and from the United States.
The order, effective immediately, follows the carrier’s May application under 49 U.S.C. 40109. DOT said the grant serves the public interest and found Riyadh Air financially and operationally qualified, with proper home-country licensing and no objection from the FAA.
The ruling opens the door to US operations once the airline aligns routing, slots, and remaining safety clearances.