Qatar Airways opens new Saudi gateway

While Qatar Airways is one of the likely bidders for the Saudi Arabian domestic market liberalisation which will allow selected international airlines – or airline - to operate within the Kingdom, the Doha-based carrier has extended its reach within Saudi.

The airline today announced January 7^th as the launch date for scheduled flights to Gassim – its newest gateway in the Kingdom.

This is Qatar Airways’ fifth destination in the country, where it already serves Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina. The airline is aiming to make Doha a key international hub for Saudis. Initially Qatar will be operating four-flights-a-week to the central Saudi city with an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in First Class and 132 in Economy.

Situated 400 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, Gassim is Saudi Arabia’s seventh most populated province with a rich agricultural industry.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted the airline was boosting services to Saudi Arabia, a market where the carrier had more than doubled frequency over the past year.

“Today Qatar Airways operates 60 flights a week across four destinations in Saudi Arabia, which will rise to 64 with the addition of Gassim as our newest route, representing the importance and commitment Qatar Airways has in the Saudi market,” he said.

“From Gassim, passengers will be able to travel seamlessly through our Doha hub to popular cities such as London, Paris, Bangkok, Singapore, New York and Washington – some great examples of offering passengers across Saudi Arabia with increased travel options and greater flexibility.

“Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years, reporting the strongest increase in passenger traffic in more than a decade in 2011, with more than 54 million passengers travelling from the country last year.

“With increased government investment in the private sector and major infrastructure developments underway, we are very excited about our expansion plans in the Kingdom,” added Al Baker.