Saudi Arabia has launched 22 new air routes from destinations worldwide to the Kingdom this year, boosting tourist seating capacity by nearly 2 million, announced Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), during the Umrah+ Connect business-to-business event in London. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism destination, the ACP has also attracted 12 new airlines to operate flights to Saudi Arabia in 2024 alone.
The rapid expansion in air connectivity reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to facilitating international access and enhancing its appeal to a global tourist market. Key recent developments include Virgin Atlantic’s upcoming daily flights from Heathrow to Riyadh, starting in March 2025, British Airways’ launch of new services to Jeddah, and Wizz Air’s upcoming daily flights from Gatwick to Jeddah. These routes are expected to accommodate significant inbound demand, particularly from the UK, Europe, and North America.
“There has been a strong expansion from the UK market, and we are pleased to see top airlines launching new routes that increase connectivity for international travelers,” Khan noted. “While we prioritize the growth of our own carriers such as Flynas, flyadeal, Saudia, and Riyadh Air, we are actively collaborating with international airlines to expand our inbound tourism reach and leverage their established marketing and sales channels.”
Khan highlighted the strategic advantages of Saudi Arabia’s central location, with over half of the world’s population reachable within a six-hour flight. This geographic advantage, coupled with new airline partnerships, positions the Kingdom as an accessible destination for global travelers.
By enhancing its air connectivity, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to achieving the ambitious goals set under Vision 2030, which aims to welcome 150 million tourists annually. As the Kingdom transforms into a hub of cultural, religious, and recreational tourism, these expanded air routes play a pivotal role in bringing visitors closer to Saudi Arabia’s unique offerings.
About the Air Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Air Connectivity Program (ACP) is a national initiative aimed at fostering partnerships with airlines to enhance international air access to Saudi Arabia, supporting the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a top global tourism destination. The ACP collaborates with both domestic and international carriers to deliver exceptional connectivity, attract new routes, and support Saudi Vision 2030’s tourism objectives.
