What’s On The Horizon For: Saudi Air Connectivity Program

Established in 2021, The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) was created with the aim to support air travel partners as they initiate or expand their presence in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of establishing the country as a leading aviation market.

Air connectivity partnerships are a key driver in supporting the objectives outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to foster economic diversification in the kingdom. The country has mission to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, up from 106 million visitors in 2023, to create 1.6 million job opportunities and increase tourism contribution to the national GDP.

Routes 360 member ACP attended Routes Asia 2024 in Langkawi to promote expansion opportunities for airlines in the country and meet with existing and prospective carriers.

Majid Khan, CEO of ACP, highlighted several route successes, especially within the Asian market.

Supported by ACP, China Southern Airlines operated its inaugural flight from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) on April 16, becoming the first Chinese airline to offer regular scheduled flights between mainland China and Saudi Arabia. The airline has also announced a second route from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) to Riyadh starting on June 3. 

Additionally, China Eastern Airlines began flying from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Riyadh in late-April with a 3X-weekly service, while Air China will begin operations from Beijing Capital to Riyadh in May.

ACP has also enjoyed success in the European market with 3X-weekly service from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Riyadh with LOT Polish Airlines due to commence in June 2024, marking ACP’s 12th air connection from Europe to Saudi Arabia.

ITA Airways will also commence flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Riyadh from May 5, initially operating 4X-weekly but increasing to 5X-weekly from June, as well as service to Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) from August.

“We have a huge outbound Saudi market which can help to drive tourism into this part of the world,” Khan  says. “Our main focus is inbound tourism.”

ACP sees significant potential in key hubs in South Asia, including Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Airlines and Bangkok with Thai Airways, as pivotal targets, as well as highlighting China, Korea, and Japan as key markets. Khan adds that Australia is also a “heavily underserved” market.

Targeting unserved and underserved routes to drive inbound tourism, Saudi Air Connectivity Program engage directly with key targets, share latest developments, and uncover exclusive airline information through its Routes 360 membership.