Saudi Air Connectivity Program Targets New Routes, Seeks Bilateral Agreements

HONG KONG—Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) is seeking to attract a further 10 new airlines to the country over the next 12 months, targeting carriers from the U.S., Europe and Asia.

However, securing new bilateral air transport agreements will be key to the kingdom achieving its aviation ambitions of reaching 300 million air passengers and 150 million tourists by 2030, according to ACP CEO Majid Khan.

“Currently, we are on track to reach 150 million tourists by 2030, but we need to make sure that we develop enough capacity—and for that we need support from civil aviation authorities of Saudi Arabia to make sure we don't have any obstacle on the bilateral side,” Khan told Aviation Week from the sidelines of the Super Terminal Expo here in Hong Kong.

He said the Saudi Arabia General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has been “very supportive,” pointing to several new air transport agreements and memoranda of understandings that have been signed in recent months. However, he highlighted issues with countries such as France, Japan and Malaysia, as well as Scandinavian markets. “Securing these agreements is crucial for unlocking new routes and ensuring seamless operations for our carriers,” Khan said.

He added that the ACP has already exceeded its targets in 2024 by securing 22 new routes and attracting 12 international airlines. New services include British Airways’ flights between London Heathrow and Jeddah, which commenced on Nov. 4, and Transavia France’s routes from Paris Orly and Lyon to Jeddah, which will begin in December. Looking ahead, Virgin Atlantic will enter the Saudi market next March, opening a route between London Heathrow and Riyadh.

Khan also pointed to success in the Chinese market—seen as crucial for future growth—following the arrival of Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines this year. “We have attracted 300,000 additional seats from China compared to last year,” he added. “However, we have some ambitious targets. We need to attract 5 million Chinese tourists by 2030, and the figure is currently less than 500,000.”

Additionally, the ACP is focused on establishing direct routes to underserved destinations such as Jakarta, Indonesia, and Atlanta, Khan said. Atlanta is a strategic target due to its status as a hub for Saudia’s SkyTeam alliance partner Delta Air Lines, which would provide extensive connectivity to the entire U.S. market.

“With a direct connection to Atlanta, we can link Saudi Arabia to a vast network across the U.S., opening up significant opportunities for both business and leisure travel,” Khan explained.

He also highlighted the planned launch of Wizz Air’s first Airbus A321XLR route next March, which will connect London Gatwick and Jeddah. “The XLR will be a game changer for us,” Khan said. “It allows airlines to open routes that were previously not feasible.”