Riyadh Air Cleared for Beijing and Shanghai Flights

Riyadh Air Secures China Route Approvals

Saudi startup Riyadh Air has secured critical CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) regulatory approval to launch scheduled commercial flights to mainland China. The carrier, wholly owned by the PIF (Public Investment Fund), received authorization in the Q2 2026 international route approvals process to commence service to two of China's most significant aviation hubs. This development marks a pivotal milestone in the airline's strategy to reach more than 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the decade.

Network Expansion and Capacity

The regulatory clearance grants Riyadh Air the rights to operate three weekly passenger and cargo flights between Riyadh and Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX). Additionally, the airline is authorized to operate four weekly flights between Riyadh and Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). These seven weekly frequencies provide a foundation for the airline to establish a presence in the competitive Middle East-China corridor, which has seen rapid capacity growth driven by bilateral trade and tourism initiatives under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.

Competitive Landscape and Market Impact

The entry of Riyadh Air into the Chinese market introduces direct competition for Saudia, which currently accounts for approximately 60% of scheduled seat capacity on the Saudi Arabia-mainland China market for the summer 2026 season, according to OAG data. While the addition of a second Saudi carrier may pressure existing market shares, it also aligns with broader industry trends of expanding Middle East-China aviation links.

According to Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas, the expansion is predicated on distinct market drivers: "There is a big demand for business connectivity between China and Saudi Arabia. We have also seen huge leisure travel demand as people have curiosity about Saudi Arabia."

Historical Context of Saudi-China Connectivity

The current expansion follows the precedent set in August 2023, when Saudia launched direct flights to Beijing Daxing. That event established a successful blueprint for direct connectivity between the two nations, which Riyadh Air is now leveraging to scale its international footprint. The move highlights the ongoing prioritization of the China-Middle East corridor as a core component of regional network development.

The Strategic Shift for Saudi Aviation

The shift toward a dual-carrier model for long-haul international routes indicates a structural change in the Saudi aviation sector. By utilizing its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, Riyadh Air aims to capture premium transit traffic that has historically been dominated by established regional incumbents. The airline's ability to integrate with existing Chinese carriers, such as its established memorandum of understanding with Air China, will likely define its success in navigating the slot-constrained environments of Beijing Daxing and Shanghai Pudong.

Anticipated Launch Timeline

Following the receipt of the CAAC operating licenses, Riyadh Air is expected to finalize its operational planning for these routes. Stakeholders anticipate that the commencement of ticket sales and the announcement of official launch dates for the Beijing and Shanghai services will occur in late 2026. These milestones remain subject to final operational readiness assessments and the delivery schedule of the carrier's widebody fleet.

Why These Routes Matter

For the Public Investment Fund, the launch of these services is essential to fulfilling the mandate of Vision 2030 by positioning Riyadh as a global transit hub. The success of these routes will serve as a bellwether for the airline's long-term viability, testing whether the market can sustain two major Saudi carriers operating parallel international networks. For passengers, the increased competition is expected to drive connectivity options and potentially influence pricing on key trade routes between the Middle East and East Asia.