Tag Archives: King Abdulaziz International Airport

Saudia unveils First and Business Class check-in Lounge at Jeddah Hub

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has inaugurated its new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance the travel experience for Saudia’s premium guests, including travelers from India, as part of the airline’s commitment to luxury and exceptional service.

A New Standard in Travel Comfort

Officially inaugurated by H.E. Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, the lounge is a luxurious sanctuary offering exclusive amenities tailored for elite travelers. With 10 dedicated check-in counters and comfortable seating areas, the lounge ensures a seamless and relaxed start to every journey. Guests are welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee and dates, embodying the warm hospitality that Saudia is known for.

Tailored Services for Indian Travelers

As Saudia continues to strengthen its ties with the Indian market, this new lounge represents a significant enhancement to the overall travel experience. Travelers can expect personalized services that cater to their specific needs, ensuring comfort and convenience from the moment they arrive at the airport. The lounge also features a dedicated café counter offering a variety of hot and cold beverages, perfect for travelers looking to unwind before their flight.

Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
The opening of the First and Business Class Check-In Lounge is part of Saudia’s broader strategy to establish Jeddah as a true aviation hub, optimizing connectivity and transit traffic. This initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to attract 330 million visits to the Kingdom, welcoming travelers from around the world.

Commitment to Premium Travel Experience
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 the airport experience for our guests. This exclusive sanctuary at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport offers more than just a premium check-in experience; it’s an immersion into Saudi hospitality and culture. With personalized services, unparalleled comfort, and stunning artistic displays, we are elevating travel to new heights and cementing Saudia’s position as a global aviation leader.”

The launch of the lounge complements Saudia’s extensive investment in enhancing guest experiences, which includes an extensive seat retrofit program, the installation of advanced In-Flight Entertainment screens, the launch of the beta version of the Travel Companion powered by AI and high-speed in-flight connectivity that will be implemented across its fleet. These initiatives are designed to provide travelers with a world-class journey from start to finish.

 

India and Saudi Arabia Sign Haj Agreement, Allotting Over 175,000 Pilgrim Quota for 2024

India and Saudi Arabia have inked a bilateral agreement that designates New Delhi with a quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the upcoming annual Haj pilgrimage in 2024.

In Jeddah, Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, accompanied by Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan, signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024.

As per an official statement, India’s total Haj quota for 2024 amounts to 175,025 pilgrims, with 140,020 seats allocated for pilgrims through the Haj Committee and 35,005 seats reserved for those opting for private operators.

“Pleased to announce the formalisation of the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 between India and Saudi Arabia. I, along with Hon’ble MoS for External Affairs, Shri @MOS_MEA, presided over the signing. Also engaged in productive discussions on matters of mutual interest with @tfrabiah, Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Affairs,” said Irani in a post on X.

She said the Saudi delegation expressed sincere appreciation for India’s exceptional digital initiatives, particularly in providing essential last-mile information to pilgrims. “Our proposal to encourage the participation of women without Mehram in the Haj pilgrimage further underscores our commitment to inclusivity,” she added.

Discussions also encompassed plans for the enhancement of medical facilities, ensuring the comprehensive well-being of all pilgrims, she said. “I deeply value the collaborative spirit exhibited during these deliberations and eagerly anticipate the continued fortification of our bilateral relations.”

During the meeting, India’s digital initiatives in facilitating and promoting ease and convenience for the Haj pilgrims were greatly appreciated by the Saudi side and the Gulf Kingdom offered to extend all possible help, the statement said.

“The initiative of the Government of India towards encouraging participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was discussed, deeply appreciated and lauded,” it added.

Irani and Muraleedharan later visited the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to oversee the arrangements for pilgrims and explore ways to facilitate better logistics and monitoring mechanisms for their convenience.