Saudi Arabia introduces new flights to Italy in 2024
Italy's ITA Airways is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia this year at major airports in Riyadh and Jeddah as part of the two countries' joint Air Connectivity Programme.
As a major step towards improving air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Europe, the plan aims to establish new aircraft routes connecting Rome with Riyadh and Jeddah.
Starting in May 2024, ITA Airways will operate flights between Rome and Riyadh, with additional services to Jeddah commencing in August 2024. These routes will be serviced by ITA Airways’ Airbus A321neo aircraft, known for their efficiency and comfort, offering passengers a seamless travel experience.
Every week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, there will be flights from Rome to Riyadh. Starting in June 2024, there will also be Wednesday flights. Likewise, beginning on August 1, flights from Rome to Jeddah will be accessible every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
This partnership demonstrates Saudi Arabia's dedication to enhancing aviation connectivity with Europe and ITA Airways' recognition of the Middle East as a critical market for strategic expansion. With the launch of these new flights, travellers will have access to ITA Airways' vast network, which covers 51 locations.
The Riyadh-to-Rome route is expected to cater primarily to business travellers, facilitating seamless connections between the two markets. On the other hand, the Jeddah-Rome route anticipates a surge in tourism and religious travel exchange between Saudi Arabia and Italy.
Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Programme, expressed delight at ITA Airways’ decision to commence direct flights from Rome to Saudi Arabia. He emphasised the significance of these new connections in facilitating travel for inbound tourists and business travellers from Europe, South America, and the USA.
This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive economic diversification programme aimed at transforming the kingdom into a leading aviation hub in the Middle East. Through initiatives like the Air Connectivity Programme, Saudi Arabia seeks to position itself as a vital link between East and West, fostering economic growth and promoting tourism. In 2023, the kingdom welcomed a record 100 million tourists, underscoring its growing significance as a global travel destination.
