Staff Report
Saudi Arabia has decided to expand its network by adding 11 new destinations this year. These include Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman).
This expansion is a result of a 16% increase in international passengers last year. The new routes are going to offer travelers more options across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This move will result in strengthening Saudia’s position in the aviation industry.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy that aims at attracting 150 million tourists by 2030.Ths strategy also aimed at creating 1.6 million jobs, and boost tourism’s contribution to the gross domestic product.
Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, has said that the airline has chalked out a strategic plan for 2025 to fulfill demand of rising international travel.
He further added that they had selected destinations following feasibility studies and guest preferences. The objective is to provide unique experience of travel combined with comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.
With these additions, Saudia’s network is going to cover over 100 destinations across four continents. This initiative also backs the Air Connectivity Program, which the Saudi government had introduced over 60 new direct routes since 2021.
It will place the Kingdom’s position as a key travel hub under Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy is part of strategy to boost investments by diversifying the economy and support the private sector.
Saudi Arabia has a fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft and plans to receive 118 new aircraft in the coming years to boost operational capacity. With more than 530 daily flights, Saudi Arabia also aimed at increasing its global market share and strengthen connectivity between the Kingdom and the world.
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