Saudi Arabia’s national carrier will launch flights to London Gatwick airport later this year.
The airline will operate a six-times-weekly Boeing 787-9 service from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International airport to London Gatwick from June 1, increasing to daily from August.
SAUDIA currently operates flights from London Heathrow to King Khalid International airport in Riyadh, as well as routes from Heathrow and Manchester to Jeddah.
The news comes as part of the airline’s expansion, with the SAUDIA and low-cost carrier flyadeal to launch flights to 25 new destinations this year (see image), including plans for a Birmingham route. The airline said that the routes are set to “begin throughout 2023” and that it will “publish more schedule details on announced destinations soon”.
SAUDIA Group CEO, H.E. Engineer Ibrahim Al-Omar commented on the international network expansion:
“SAUDIA Group has been carrying the kingdom’s ambitions, values and traditions across every corner of its network, as it flies the nation’s flag around the world. These new destinations will offer greater access and choices to our guests. Given the increase of demand in international travel, this is the right time to expand our global network in new, exciting ways.”
Stephanie Wear, VP aviation development at Gatwick Airport, added:
“SAUDIA will be a very welcome addition to London Gatwick’s growing long-haul offer.
“Although we have services to Middle East destinations such as Dubai, Doha and in Egypt and Turkey, it will be the first time since 2014 we have had flights to Saudi Arabia. This is fantastic news not only for the Saudi community in London and the South East, but also UK nationals in Saudi Arabia and those looking to travel on holiday or for business.
“With the airline’s base in Jeddah, this route also provides excellent onward connections to destinations such as Pakistan, Malaysia, India and Bangladesh.”
Saudi Arabia recently launched a new free Stopover Visa for those transiting the kingdom onboard either Saudia or Flynas, entitling passengers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours.
