In partnership with the Kingdom’s Air Connectivity Program, SAUDIA launches new Beijing to Riyadh and Jeddah routes

SAUDIA launches direct flights from Jeddah to Beijing on August 4th, 2023, and from Riyadh to Beijing on August 6th, 2023
New routes support Saudi objective of 100m tourist visits by end of decade
The connection further strengthens bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and China

In partnership with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), SAUDIA, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has launched new direct flights connecting Beijing to Riyadh and Jeddah, further strengthening bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and China and reflecting a commitment to unlock deeper collaboration between the two countries.
 
On August 4th, 2023, the inaugural flight from Jeddah to Beijing was successfully conducted, with a subsequent direct flight from Riyadh to Beijing commencing on August 6th, 2023. These new routes provide around 165 million people in Northern China with direct access to the Kingdom, boosting bilateral tourism and strengthening the growing international cooperation between Saudi Arabia and global aviation markets.
 
Through the efforts of ACP, the Kingdom’s air connectivity facilitator, the new routes come as the country reinforces its commitment to enhancing its travel and aviation sectors.
 
“The launch of this new route comes shortly after the hugely successful 10th Arab-China business forum in Riyadh and represents an important development in our ongoing efforts to expand air connectivity,” said ACP’s CEO Ali Rajab.
 
“By working closely with the ecosystem’s stakeholders, we ensure that every aspect of our visitors’ air travel journey is met with exceptional service and operational readiness. This concerted effort underscores our commitment to creating a truly unforgettable experience for travelers from Beijing and its environs, showcasing the warmth of Saudi hospitality and the remarkable beauty of our country.”
 
ACP anticipates the launch of additional routes to and from the Kingdom in the second half of 2023 and the first half of 2024, further broadening its aviation network and international accessibility. This expansion is also reflected in the improved global air connectivity classification of Saudi Arabia by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) moving from 27th in 2019 to 13th in 2022.
 
SAUDIA CEO Capt. Ibrahim Koshy said: “At SAUDIA, we remain dedicated to expanding our network and contributing to the 250 destinations outlined in the Saudi National Aviation strategy. Partnerships, like the one with ACP, play a crucial role in achieving this goal. Together, we have successfully launched routes, including Birmingham, UK, and Zurich, Switzerland, that have enabled us to connect the world to Saudi Arabia.”
 
China is a priority growth market for ACP, which also focuses on broader tourism considerations, including the overall travel experience and the quality of airport facilities.