Wizz Air announced the launch of a new direct route between London Gatwick and Jeddah, starting on 31 March 2025. This new route underscores Wizz Air’s dedication to expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, offering travellers more options and affordable fares. Tickets are now available on wizzair.com and the Wizz Air app, with prices starting from just USD 116.99. Wizz Air’s new London Gatwick to Jeddah route will operate daily all year round, connecting two vibrant cities. This strategic addition to Wizz Air’s network highlights the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel options while strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Over the past three years, Wizz Air has significantly increased its capacity in Saudi Arabia, introducing numerous new routes and enhancing travel options, while contributing to the country’s connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and following a partnership agreement with Saudi Tourism Authority to increase connectivity to Europe and boost inbound visitors. This route is one of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLR’s extended range and efficiency, revolutionizing intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. With fares starting from only USD 116.99, Wizz Air continues to deliver on its promise of making air travel affordable for all. “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class and, given the enhanced range capability, it enables Wizz Air to connect the furthest destinations in its network and further expand it, connecting cultures and continents. We’re excited to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to London, while offering the most sustainable option for flying.”- commented Andras Rado Head of Communications and Government affairs during a press conference …
Read More »Air Arabia expands European reach with new flights to Warsaw
Air Arabia announced the launch of new non-stop flights connecting Sharjah with Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. The new service will commence on December 20th, 2024, connecting Sharjah International Airport and Warsaw Chopin Airport with a frequency of five weekly flights, further expanding Air Arabia’s route network and providing travellers with more opportunities to explore Europe. Schedule to and from Warsaw, effective December 20, 2024 (all times local) Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 858 Sharjah 17:10 Warsaw 20:45 Airbus A321 Monday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday G9 859 Warsaw 21:35 Sharjah 6:35 Airbus A321 Monday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, commented: We are glad to further expand our presence in the European market with the addition of Warsaw to our network. As the second city we serve in Poland after Krakow, this new service provides our customers with a seamless connection from Sharjah to a city celebrated for its rich history and vibrant culture. The launch of non-stop flights to Warsaw underscores our commitment to continuously creating opportunities for both leisure and business travellers. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard as they explore the marvelous city of Warsaw.” Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch compared to any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Customers can also enjoy a variety of delicacies between snacks, meals, and sandwiches from the on-board ‘SkyCafe’ menu at …
Read More »Emirates touches down for the first time in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Emirates landed in Antananarivo, Madagascar for the first time. The arrival of EK707 was celebrated with a water canon salute at Ivato International Airport, followed by an exclusive event for VIPs, government officials, industry guests, and media. His Excellency, Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar and the First Lady greeted the Emirates delegation, led by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer; Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia; Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo and Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support, as well as international media. Fostering stronger links between the UAE and Madagascar, Mohammad Lootah, President, CEO of Dubai Chambers, His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports and Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shangeti, General Director Assistant of Airport Passport Sector also joined the inaugural flight, along with Buti Qurwash, Senior Vice President Safety & Security at Dubai Airports; Rabie Atieh, CEO Transguard Group and Abid Hamza, General Manager of Fast Logistics. Commanding the inaugural flight to Antananarivo was Canadian national Captain Bruce Pope and First Officer Solo Chuk, a Malagasy pilot who has been flying for Emirates for 14 years. The inaugural flight operated with an almost full passenger load from Mahe, the Seychelles, taking advantage of the enhanced travel options available on the linked service by merging two trips into one. Following the welcome ceremony, Adnan Kazim, along with senior representatives showcased the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft flying on the route in a three-class configuration* to His Excellency President Rajoelina along with a group of dignitaries, government representatives, media, guests and members …
Read More »SAUDIA launches direct flights to Medan, Indonesia
SAUDIA announced the launch of its first direct flight to Medan, Indonesia, marking its second destination to the country following Jakarta. With four weekly flights scheduled from Jeddah and Madinah, this move aligns with SAUDIA’s commitment to bring the world to the Kingdom and contribute to the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030, particularly those related to serving pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. SAUDIA celebrated the inaugural flight to Medan with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The event was attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom, Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmed, and the Assistant Vice President of KSA Sales at SAUDIA, Mr. Wail Basaffar, as well as relevant stakeholders. SAUDIA offers a range of services designed to elevate the guest experience, including digital platforms that allow guests to plan their journeys, complete necessary procedures, and access after-sales support. Additionally, SAUDIA provides on-site services at airports to expedite processes and ensure a seamless travel experience. SAUDIA’s international operations are continuously evolving to expand its market share and set new benchmarks in guest transportation, catering to tourists, visitors, and pilgrims. SAUDIA’s fleet of 144 aircraft plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts. Furthermore, SAUDIA is committed to increasing the volume of transit traffic between continents via the Kingdom, which is a key pillar of its strategic vision and new era.
Read More »Air Astana expands network of services to Saudi Arabia
Air Astana will launch direct scheduled flights from Shymkent to Jeddah, with a twice weekly service operating between 1st and 28th October 2024. After those dates, one of the services will be switched to a once weekly service between Shymkent and Medina. A new twice weekly service from Almaty to Medina will also be launched on 29th October 2024, which is in addition to the existing Almaty to Jeddah service. All flights to Saudi Arabia will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The flight time from Shymkent to Jeddah and Shymkent to Medina will be 5hours 35mins, whilst flight time from Almaty to Medina will be 6hours 10mins. The minimum cost for round-trip Economy class tickets including all fees starts from US$ 656 for Shymkent to Jeddah, US$ 646 for Shymkent to Medina and US$ 705 for Almaty to Medina. Kazakhstan citizens are required to obtain an e-visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and economic capital, with a wealth of attractions including King Fahd’s Fountain, the ancient city of Al-Balad and Red Sea beaches. Jeddah is only one hour’s high-speed train ride from Mecca. Medina is the second most important holy city for Muslims after Mecca. The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is considered to be the second holiest site of Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
Read More »ITA Airways launches new nonstop flight to Jeddah Second destination in Saudi Arabia in the 2024 Summer Season
ITA Airways is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia launching its second destination in the country with the direct Rome- Jeddah roundtrip flight, operating with three weekly frequencies. “We are delighted to inaugurate our first nonstop flight between Jeddah and Rome, strengthening our presence in Saudi Arabia, a rapidly growing market”, said Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO of Volare. “This new opening follows the launch of the nonstop connection to Riyadh in June and is part of our ongoing summer network expansion, which boasts excellent booking results. Operated with the state-of-the-art A321neo, this new flight will expand the medium-haul network and enhance commercial and cultural exchanges between the Arabian Peninsula and Italy, while also providing connections with our array of destinations accessible via our Rome Fiumicino hub”. “We are delighted to see ITA Airways commencing the route between Rome and our coastal and historical city of Jeddah, which will further enhance our air connectivity to KSA. Travelers from ITA Airways’ network in Italy, Europe, and the Americas will enjoy a more seamless journey to explore the untapped potential of Jeddah. We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with a great partner, ITA Airways”, said Mazin Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports (JEDCO) and Majid Khan, CEO of Air Connectivity Program (ACP). “As a representative of the Italian Consulate, I am thrilled to be part of the strengthening partnership between Italy and Saudi Arabia through the launch of the new roundtrip Rome-Jeddah flight. It truly is a testimony of the friendship between the two countries, which not only is rooted in a deep historic relationship, but is further developing the commercial friendship with expanding opportunities”, said …
Read More »SAUDIA expands operations in Indonesia adding Medan to its network
SAUDIA announced the addition of Medan to its scheduled and regular flight network, making it the second destination in the Republic of Indonesia after the capital, Jakarta. The airline has allocated four weekly flights in both directions between Medan and both Jeddah and Medina, with operations starting on August 31. This step is part of its expansion efforts to connect the world with the Kingdom and to serve diverse guest segments. A meeting was recently held between Saudia and officials from Kualanamu International Airport in Medan to arrange for the operations and ensure readiness of services. The goal is to provide the best solutions to ensure smooth airport traffic and procedures. By adding Medina as a second destination in the Kingdom after Jeddah for the new Medan route, Saudia seeks to capitalize on the increasing demand. This move follows a recent agreement with Tibah Airports to increase operations and enhance the transport and service of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, as well as visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque and Islamic historical sites. Saudia is committed to increasing its market share in the Hajj and Umrah sector, recognizing Indonesia as one of the largest Islamic markets for travel. These efforts also contribute to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. The expansion of Saudia’s destinations aligns with its largest fleet modernization and growth program. The fleet currently includes 144 aircraft, with plans to add 103 more in the coming years. This is complemented by numerous other initiatives aimed at enhancing the guest travel experience using the latest advancements in aviation.
Read More »IndiGo announces direct flights from Bengaluru to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
IndiGo announced new direct flight between Bengaluru and Abu Dhabi. Commencing from August 01, 2024, the Bengaluru-Abu Dhabi flight will operate six times a week, serving as a gateway for Indian travellers to explore the island city and beyond, through IndiGo’s extensive network. It will also provide an opportunity for international travellers to witness the rich heritage and historical landmarks in the vibrant city of Bengaluru. With the launch of this new flight, IndiGo will now operate 75 weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to 10 cities in India, further strengthening connectivity to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce direct flights between Bengaluru and Abu-Dhabi. Bengaluru is the tenth city on IndiGo network to offer direct flights between Abu Dhabi and India. With the addition of these flights, IndiGo offers 75 weekly frequencies to Abu Dhabi and over 220 to the UAE. This new flight will further strengthen travel, trade and tourism between India and the UAE by offering smooth and convenient options for business as well as leisure. As India’s premier airline, we remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver an affordable, on-time, courteous and hassle-free travel experience.” Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is famous for its stunning islands and record-breaking theme parks, impressive architecture, cultural landmarks, and stunning shorelines. The city’s rapid development and urbanisation, coupled with the massive oil and gas reserves, have transformed it into a large, developed metropolis. Some of the famous attractions include Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Emirates Park Zoo, and Al Ain Palace Museum. A techie’s paradise, Bengaluru is popularly …
Read More »Akasa Air inaugurates Ahmedabad – Jeddah direct flights twice a week
Akasa Air commenced direct flights connecting Ahmedabad with Jeddah, the port city of Saudi Arabia, marking its first international route from the Indian city. The airline now operates two weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Jeddah, providing enhanced and affordable options for air travel between the two major commercial hubs. In an event held at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to flag off the maiden flight, a ceremonial lamp was lit in the presence of members of Akasa Air’s Executive Committee – Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air and Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, Akasa Air. The event was also graced by the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, and a special boarding pass was presented to the first passenger on the inaugural flight. Ahmedabad is Akasa Air’s maiden destination, and the airline forayed into the city in August 2022 with the commencement of weekly flights connecting it with Mumbai. Akasa Air has completed 23 successful months of operations from Ahmedabad and has progressively expanded its presence in the region. The airline now seamlessly connects Ahmedabad non-stop with six domestic and one international destination including Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gwalior, Pune and Jeddah, and operates 59 weekly departures from the city. Since the launch of operations, Akasa Air has carried over 1.8 million passengers to and from Ahmedabad. Commenting on the occasion, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air said “As our maiden destination, Ahmedabad holds immense prominence for Akasa Air, and we are delighted to mark our first international flight from the city with the launch of operations to Jeddah. Ahmedabad is India’s leading industrial centre that has displayed a growing appetite for air travel to the Middle East region, and Jeddah has …
Read More »Akasa Air connects Jeddah with Mumbai
Akasa Air commenced operations to Jeddah, connecting it with Mumbai and Ahmedabad with direct flights. The inaugural flight on 15th July 2024 departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 1935hrs IST and is scheduled to arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 2225AST. Akasa Air now operates daily direct flights connecting Jeddah with Mumbai and will further enhance this connectivity to operate 12 direct flights a week effective 21st July 2024. The launch of operations from Mumbai will be followed by the commencement of two weekly direct flights connecting Jeddah with Ahmedabad effective 20th July 2024. Akasa Air commenced operations in Riyadh in June 2024, and the launch of services to Jeddah further solidifies the airline’s presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering enhanced options for air travel between the two countries at affordable fares. Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer further shared, “We are delighted to expand our international network with the launch of operations to Jeddah. The response to our Mumbai-Riyadh route has been encouraging and reflects the need for enhanced connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. Direct flights connecting Jeddah with Mumbai and Ahmedabad will foster trade and provide further options to pilgrims from India to Jeddah and drive inbound tourism to the country. Akasa Air has emerged as India’s most dependable airline in a short time. As we rapidly grow our global presence, we remain committed to taking the dependable and affordable Akasa experience to the world.” Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Akasa Air added, “The launch of operations to Jeddah is yet another stepping-stone in our journey of taking the warm and efficient Akasa experience to the …
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