Gatwick and Birmingham connect to Jeddah with Saudia
Image courtesy VINCI Airports
The Saudi flag-carrier airline will fly six times a week to King Abdulaziz International Airport from Gatwick on 787-9 aircraft from 1st July, increasing to daily services from August.
The new service reflects VINCI Airports’ commitment to serve communities and sustain business growth by developing air connectivity. It also highlights Gatwick’s competitiveness to attract vital new routes to important markets.
Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development, Gatwick Airport said: “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.”
Saudia Airlines will also be flying three times a week between Birmingham (BHX) and Jeddah (JED) with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft from 2nd July, with services on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Saudia to Birmingham and to establish direct connectivity between the second cities of Britain and Saudi Arabia.
“There's no doubt these Saudia services will be well subscribed in both directions by people travelling for business, leisure and family purposes.
”Customers heading west from Saudi Arabia now have direct flights to Birmingham Airport, the global gateway to the West Midlands region, an economic powerhouse on a strong trajectory of growth.
“For customers heading east from the UK, Jeddah, on the Red Sea, offers rich array of cultural, leisure and business opportunities.
“Jeddah also has strong onward connectivity to destinations across Asia and Africa. Brits travelling from Birmingham beyond Jeddah can make use of the 'stop-over visa' - a chance to enjoy this historic city before heading on."
Jeddah, located on Saudi Arabia’s east coast, is an hour’s drive from Mecca and will prove an important connection for people travelling during Hajj – the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which this year takes place from 26th June – 1st July.
