Bangladesh, June 17 -- The DOT said on June 16 that Riyadh Air's application, submitted on May 5, sought an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 40109 along with a foreign air carrier permit.

The department determined that granting the exemption for a two-year term, or until the permit takes effect, whichever comes first, was warranted.

It noted that the airline had demonstrated its financial and operational capabilities for providing the proposed services and that the approval served the public interest.

The DOT added that Riyadh Air holds proper licensing from Saudi Arabia and that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) raised no objections to the request.

The exemption functions as a temporary measure, allowing Riyadh Air to begin US oper...