Riyadh Air secures over 2,500 airport slots to start operations in summer

Home
»
Stories
»
2024
»
November

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Global Industry News

Riyadh Air secures over 2,500 airport slots to start operations in summer

Policy

Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Nov 18, 2024

Filings from Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) have revealed that Riyadh Air has secured over 2,500 slots at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport. The slot coordinator's report indicates that airlines requested a total of 97,130 slots for the upcoming International Air Transport Association (IATA) summer season, starting March 30, 2025. ACL allocated only 38.7% of these requests.

Riyadh Air received all 2,574 slots it requested, allowing it to commence operations in the summer season. During the current winter season, which runs until March 29, 2025, Riyadh Air had no slots at the airport.

With its new allocation, Riyadh Air becomes the fourth-largest airline at King Khalid International Airport with 2% of total flight movements. SAUDIA holds the largest share with 50.9%. Additionally, Riyadh Air has obtained 702 slots at Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Initial reports do not show any slot requests by Riyadh Air at major airports such as Dubai International Airport and London Heathrow Airport.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, noted in October that "Riyadh is a very poorly served city," highlighting the potential demand for international travel among its young population. He emphasized aircraft utilization and slot timings as key focus areas for the airline.

According to ACL's report, on Mondays and Sundays at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh Air will operate up to either 352 or 374 aircraft movements per day. The schedule includes peak hourly movements reaching up to 64 between certain hours.

Riyadh Air has placed orders for Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. In March 2023, both SAUDIA and Riyadh Air ordered a significant number of Boeing aircraft. On October 30, Riyadh Air further expanded its fleet plan by purchasing 60 A321neo aircraft from Airbus.