The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia jumped to the 13th position on the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) air connectivity index in 2023, up from 27th in 2019, climbing 14 places in the ranking, which includes over 200 countries. It reached its highest level to date thanks to its flight links to 131 destinations. Saudi Arabia is looking to create a positive environment for global investment and to spearhead the future of aviation, leading the Middle East region and contributing more to GDP. The Kingdom also aims to establish itself as a logistical hub connecting three continents, as well as an international centre for air transport and freight.
Among these significant achievements as part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification journey include the Kingdom’s 94.4% score in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety audit report and rank of 7th among Group of Twenty (G20) nations in aviation safety. Saudi aviation traffic also saw an increase of 42% in the first four months of 2023 when compared to the same period last year. This expansion forms part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, where ease and connectivity will help transform the country into a top destination for tourists as it aims to welcome 100 million visitors by 2030.
New SAUDIA flights from London Gatwick and Birmingham to Jeddah
This summer, Saudi Arabia’s flagship carrier, SAUDIA will offer new flights from London Gatwick and Birmingham to Jeddah as part of a collaboration with the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The new route to London Gatwick launched on 1 June and will run six times per week before rising to daily in August; Jeddah to Gatwick: 09:05-13:30 (6h 25m), and Gatwick to Jeddah: 14:55 – 23:05 (6h 10m). The new flight route from Birmingham to Jeddah will run three times per week; Jeddah to Birmingham: 08:10-13:00 (6h 20m); Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and Birmingham to Jeddah: 14:30-22:40 (6h 10m); Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays. These new direct flight routes are in response to the rise in consumer demand from UK travellers. With the addition of these routes, SAUDIA will offer a total of six flight routes in the UK, serving four UK airports, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester, with a total of 45 flights each week.
In addition, SAUDIA is pioneering the future of aviation with a new deal with AI company Accenture, which will tailor the guest experience to the individual and improve operational efficiency. AI technologies will enhance SAUDIA’s digital infrastructure, with the company building more than 260 new digital and electronic services over the next couple of years.
“With the recent announcements of new airline launches and direct city connectivity, we have reaffirmed our commitment to improving our global links to Europe and the UK more specifically,” said Hazim AlHazmi, President of Europe and Americas, Saudi Tourism Authority.“This connectivity is more important now than ever as we continue to build Saudi Arabia into one of the most popular global tourism destinations by 2030.”
AlHazmi added, “Our goal is to provide excellent service and a seamless passenger experience; to invite visitors from all over the world to a destination powered by the latest innovations and complemented by breathtaking natural beauty, offering them the opportunity to explore the blending landscapes, unforgettable experiences, diverse culture, and the generosity of its people.”
NEOM Airlines
NEOM Airlines is set to launch in late 2024, connecting the upcoming NEOM giga project to a multitude of international and regional destinations, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. By 2026, NEOM Airlines will make use of some of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the market, using electric, supersonic, and hydrogen-powered aeroplanes. Every aircraft will offer 6G Wi-Fi and will be fully equipped with large screens compatible with personal electronic devices in each seat, which will accommodate both chat and gaming functions. Set to be one of the largest in the world, NEOM Bay Airport will be the home of NEOM Airlines and is set to be completed and operational by 2030. All flights will also use sustainable fuel, originating from facilities based in NEOM. Veteran airline executive Klaus Goersch has been named as CEO, after previously holding the title of COO at both British Airways and Air Canada.
Riyadh Air
Another of Saudi Arabia’s newest carriers, Riyadh Air, made its debut flight on 12 June. The inaugural flight flew at a low altitude at around 13:00 local time over Riyadh’s iconic skyline, passing over three renowned locations: the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the Kingdom Tower, and al-Faisaliah Tower. The design of the fleet’s Boeing 787 aircraft pays homage to Saudi Arabia, with indigo colours reflective of its deserts and plateaus in the spring. Riyadh Air is expected to add $20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create more than 200,000 jobs. The carrier will start operating flights in 2025, eventually connecting to 100 destinations globally.
The recent news comes alongside numerous international airlines increasing the number of flights to Saudi Arabia, including British Airways, which will be adding seven flights a week from London to Riyadh, doubling its daily services and re-entering the market with seven flights a week from London to Jeddah as well. With this connectivity, Saudi Arabia continues to cement its place at the forefront of the global tourism industry, as seen earlier this month with its hugely successful appearance at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, with the signing of 53 MoUs with key international and regional partners.
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