Tag Archives: Jeddah

flynas celebrates its first direct flight between Jeddah and Djibouti

flynas celebrated its first direct flight between Jeddah and Djibouti further expanding its network in Africa in line with its expansion plan and the national objectives in the aviation sector. An inaugural celebration was held at King Abdulaziz International Airport attended by Djibouti’s Ambassador to the Kingdom and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, as well as representatives from flynas and Jeddah Airports Company. The flight was welcomed at Djibouti International Airport by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Djibouti, Faisal Al-Qabbani and Djibouti’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. The leading LCC started operating three weekly flights between Jeddah and Djibouti, extending travel options offered to its guests travelling to and from Africa, in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the title “We Connect the World to the Kingdom”, in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030 and the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents.

Read More »

AROYA Cruises marks visit to Sharm El Sheikh Port with Plaque Exchange Ceremony

AROYA Cruises visited Sharm El Sheikh Port in Egypt for the official Plaque Exchange Ceremony. The much-anticipated occasion  marks a significant milestone for AROYA Cruises as it establishes exciting itineraries across the Red Sea for its guests. Dr Jorg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises commented: “We are thrilled to now be taking our passengers to Sharm El Sheikh, marking an exciting chapter in the Red Sea’s tourism sector and our cruising journey. This ceremony not only celebrates our presence here, but also symbolises the beginning of a strong partnership with the port and the region. We look forward to many more visits and being able to create fun, diverse experiences for all of our valued guests to enjoy.” The event welcomed distinguished attendees, senior representatives from AROYA Cruises, including Dr Jorg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises and the AROYA ship’s captain Roland Polic, local dignitaries, and Sharm El Sheikh Port officials including Major General Dr. Khalid Mubarak, Captain Ayman Munsif, and Commander Mohamed Al-Kahki. Following the plaque exchange ceremony, AROYA will return to Jeddah, offering an exclusive experience for guests who seek a unique, ‘Remarkably Arabian’ journey across the Red Sea.

Read More »

SAUDIA launches seasonal flights to Phuket from Riyadh and Jeddah

SAUDIA has launched its seasonal flights to Phuket, marking its second destination in the Kingdom of Thailand after the capital, Bangkok. Musaed Almusaed, Assistant Vice President, International Regions at SAUDIA, stated: “SAUDIA has scheduled flights between Jeddah, Riyadh, and Phuket, offering 12 weekly flights in both directions. We are committed to enhancing our competitive position and expanding our reach to new destinations, whether scheduled or seasonal. This aligns with the unprecedented and fundamental development of our services, aimed at enriching the travel experience at all stages and exceeding our guests’ expectations.” SAUDIA operates flights to over 100 destinations across four continents, leveraging its current fleet of 144 diverse Boeing and Airbus aircraft. With plans to add 130 new aircraft, SAUDIA aims to expand seating capacity and increase the frequency of flights to existing destinations while also reaching new international markets, contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by bringing the world to the Kingdom.

Read More »

AROYA departs Bremerhaven to its homeport in Jeddah ahead of maiden voyage

With a matter of weeks until its maiden voyage, AROYA, the first ship in the fleet from the first Arabian cruise line AROYA Cruises, has departed Bremerhaven, Germany for its homeport in Jeddah, Saudi. After lengthy dry docking and transformation periods in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam, AROYA is now ready for operation. AROYA has undergone the largest cruise ship refit project in the world, transforming 95% of its interior to create a brand new Remarkably Arabian experience. The vessel features an array of world-leading facilities including a souq-inspired shopping district – the largest retail area on a cruise ship – state-of-the-art spa area, 29 restaurants, lounges and cafes, 20 entertainment venues, and one of the largest kids play areas on a cruise ship. AROYA’s Maiden Voyage, departing on the 16th December, will take passengers on a three-night journey to an exclusive Red Sea private island developed by Cruise Saudi, the Public Investment Fund company which owns AROYA Cruises.

Read More »

Marriott to open Four Points Sheraton in Jeddah with Aleph Hospitality by Q1 2025

Mohammed Abdullah Al Muhanna Hotels Ltd. signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International and a management agreement with Aleph Hospitality to open Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah in Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of 2025. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025, Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah is located in the Rabwah District of Jeddah with excellent connections to every part of the city and just 15 minutes from King Abdul Aziz International Airport. Featuring 112 well-appointed rooms and suites, food and beverage outlets and meeting facilities, the newly built hotel is anticipated to reflect the brand’s promise of ‘travel reinvented’, providing everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road, timeless style and comfort with genuine service. Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality said, “I am thrilled that we have been entrusted with the management of the Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah and we look forward to a successful opening. Today, I am also proud to say that this is the second hotel under our management in Saudi Arabia, and the fourth hotel under the Marriott franchise. Our rapid expansion over the past year has made Aleph Hospitality the largest independent hospitality management company in the region.” “This project marks the starting point toward achieving great success in the hospitality sector and we are committed to providing a unique hospitality experience that caters to the needs of visitors from all over the world,” commented Saleh Abdulmohsin Al Sultan, Managing Director, Mohammed Abdullah Al Muhanna Hotels Ltd. “Supporting the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 has been a key driver for our investment in the hospitality and tourism sector in the Kingdom and we …

Read More »

SAUDIA unveils first and business class check-in lounge at its Jeddah Hub

As part of SAUDIA’s investments to make King Abdulaziz International Airport into a true hub and enhance the guest’s travel experience, they officially inaugurated its new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. H.E. Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, the Director General of SAUDIA Group inaugurated this luxurious, exclusive space which is designed to elevate the travel experience for SAUDIA’s First and Business Class guests, as well as AlFursan Gold members. The lounge offers personalized services tailored to meet the needs of discerning travelers. The new lounge features 10 dedicated check-in counters, each complemented by a comfortable seating area to ensure a seamless and relaxed start to the journey. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by specialized staff and treated to traditional Saudi coffee and dates. The lounge also includes a dedicated café counter, offering a selection of hot and cold beverages. The opening of the new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge marks a significant milestone in SAUDIA’s strategy to strengthen its Jeddah hub. This strategy involves centralizing operations in state-of-the-art facilities and services, optimizing connectivity and transit traffic, and maintaining a distinctive on-time performance through integrated operations. By creating a true hub, Saudia is also contributing to the broader Saudi Vision 2030 goal of attracting 330 million visits and welcoming the world to the Kingdom. Additionally, the lounge’s design reflects the rich Saudi culture and landmarks, highlighting SAUDIA’s new era and its dedication to presenting the nation’s rich identity and culture to its guests. Riyadh M. Alhudhaif, General Manager of the Jeddah HUB stated: “Unveiling SAUDIA’s new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge marks a landmark milestone in luxury travel, redefining …

Read More »

Wizz Air announces new London Gatwick to Jeddah route, strengthening commitment to Saudi Arabia

Wizz Air announced the launch of a new direct route between London Gatwick and Jeddah, starting on 31 March 2025. This new route underscores Wizz Air’s dedication to expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, offering travellers more options and affordable fares. Tickets are now available on wizzair.com and the Wizz Air app, with prices starting from just USD 116.99. Wizz Air’s new London Gatwick to Jeddah route will operate daily all year round, connecting two vibrant cities. This strategic addition to Wizz Air’s network highlights the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel options while strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Over the past three years, Wizz Air has significantly increased its capacity in Saudi Arabia, introducing numerous new routes and enhancing travel options, while contributing to the country’s connectivity in line with Vision 2030 and following a partnership agreement with Saudi Tourism Authority to increase connectivity to Europe and boost inbound visitors. This route is one of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLR’s extended range and efficiency, revolutionizing intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. With fares starting from only USD 116.99, Wizz Air continues to deliver on its promise of making air travel affordable for all. “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class and, given the enhanced range capability, it enables Wizz Air to connect the furthest destinations in its network and further expand it, connecting cultures and continents. We’re excited to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to London, while offering the most sustainable option for flying.”- commented Andras Rado Head of Communications and Government affairs during a press conference …

Read More »

flynas launches direct flights from Jeddah to Berlin

flynas launched its first direct flight between Jeddah and Berlin aligning with flynas growth and expansion plan under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom”, in partnership with Air Connectivity Program (ACP), with support of Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). The new Berlin-Jeddah route, launched in partnership with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), will offer three weekly flights from King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah to Berlin International Airport (BER). An inaugural ceremony was held at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the presence of representatives from flynas, Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), the ACP, and Consulate General of Germany in Jeddah. On the other side, the maiden flight was welcomed Berlin Brandenburg Airport with a reception ceremony in the presence of representatives from ACP, Berlin airport. On the next day, September 5, flynas organized a ceremony on this occasion in Berlin that was attended by and stakeholders of flynas in Germany. This Expansion in the European market is in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the slogan “We connect the world to the Kingdom”, and in parallel with the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 100 million tourists yearly by 2030 and the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. The CEO of Jeddah Airports, Engineer Mazen Johar, said “the launch of the first flynas flights between the German Capital “Berlin” and King Abdulaziz international airport in Jeddah supports Jeddah Airports Company’s strategy of increasing the number of destinations connected to King Abdulaziz International Airport . This …

Read More »

Air Astana expands network of services to Saudi Arabia

Air Astana will launch direct scheduled flights from Shymkent to Jeddah, with a twice weekly service operating between 1st and 28th October 2024. After those dates, one of the services will be switched to a once weekly service between Shymkent and Medina. A new twice weekly service from Almaty to Medina will also be launched on 29th October 2024, which is in addition to the existing Almaty to Jeddah service. All flights to Saudi Arabia will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The flight time from Shymkent to Jeddah and Shymkent to Medina will be 5hours 35mins, whilst flight time from Almaty to Medina will be 6hours 10mins. The minimum cost for round-trip Economy class tickets including all fees starts from US$ 656 for Shymkent to Jeddah, US$ 646 for Shymkent to Medina and US$ 705 for Almaty to Medina. Kazakhstan citizens are required to obtain an e-visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and economic capital, with a wealth of attractions including King Fahd’s Fountain, the ancient city of Al-Balad and Red Sea beaches. Jeddah is only one hour’s high-speed train ride from Mecca. Medina is the second most important holy city for Muslims after Mecca. The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is considered to be the second holiest site of Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Read More »

SAUDIA announces addition of Phuket to seasonal destinations

SAUDIA announced the addition of Phuket to its seasonal destinations, making it the second city in Thailand to join its network, following the capital, Bangkok. This expansion aligns with SAUDIA’s strategic objective to broaden its international flight network and bring the world to Saudi Arabia, leveraging its young fleet and enhancing its global competitive advantage. SAUDIA will commence flights to Phuket on 2 December 2024, offering 12 weekly round trips from Riyadh and Jeddah combined. Bookings will be available through SAUDIA’s website and mobile app. Operational preparations are currently underway at Phuket International Airport to ensure an exceptional service and seamless experience for all guests. The airline will deploy its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the routes between the Kingdom and Phuket. These Dreamliners are equipped with spacious seating, advanced inflight entertainment systems catering to diverse guest preferences, and other premium onboard services designed to enhance the travel experience.

Read More »