Tag Archives: Saudi Arabia

Air India Express has a line-up of destinations for route expansion.

Air India Express starts Tiruchi-Dammam flights

Air India Express yesterday started flights on the Tiruchi-Dammam sector.

The airline’s flight IX 927 left Tiruchi airport around 6 a.m. with 113 passengers on board to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, said airport sources. The airline will operate bi-weekly services in the Tiruchi-Dammam-Tiruchi sector on Thursdays and Sundays.

As per the schedule, the flight from Tiruchi will leave at 6.05 a.m. (local time) and reach Dammam at 9.10 a.m. (local time). The flight from Dammam will leave at 10.10 a.m. (local time) and reach Tiruchi at 5.40 p.m. (local time). It will be operated with a Boeing 737 aircraft.

The airline operates direct flight services from Tiruchi to Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, and Kuwait in the West Asian region. The new flight service to Dammam will be the seventh destination in that region to be covered by the airline from Tiruchi.

Saudia has been gaining momentum especially after its rebranding.

Saudia records 10% growth in guest transportation during Q3, 2024

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has reported significant growth in its operational performance for the third quarter of 2024, according to its latest performance report.

The airline transported over nine million guests, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This achievement was aided by more than 49,500 flights, reflecting a 9% increase in flight operations. Additionally, Saudia logged 146,700 flight hours, representing an 11% increase over last year, with an impressive on-time performance rate of 87.8%.

Internationally, Saudia carried over five million guests, reflecting a 9% growth, and on more than 21,900 flights, a 5% increase compared to last year. The airline’s international fleet logged over 102,400 flight hours.
On the domestic front, Saudia served over four million guests, demonstrating a 12% increase, with more than 27,500 flights operated, marking a 13% increase. Domestic flight hours surpassed 44,200, with a commendable on-time performance rate of 91.5%.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, stated, “The aviation industry is uniquely defined by its skilled workforce and cutting-edge systems that ensure sustained operational excellence. We remain committed to delivering innovative services that enhance the travel experience for our valued guests, and our new strategy meticulously addresses every aspect of air travel—from security and safety to expanding seating capacity to meet growing demand.”

From January to September 2024, Saudia successfully transported over 25.3 million guests across 143,800 flights. Looking ahead, the addition of 131 new aircraft to Saudia’s fleet will significantly expand flight offerings and seating capacity across its network of over 100 destinations spanning four continents. This growth will also introduce new international routes, aligning with the airline’s strategy to connect the world to the Kingdom and support the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

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.

 

Saudi Arabia targets high spending Indian, Chinese tourists

 

Saudi Arabia is shifting its tourism strategy to attract high-spending visitors from India and China as part of its broader goal to boost international tourism. The Kingdom, having surpassed its goal of 100 million visitors by 2023, now aims to reach 150 million annual visitors by 2030. At a Perth event, Sultan Al Musallam, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism for International Affairs, outlined plans to expand the e-visa program beyond the 63 countries it currently covers, emphasising the desire for visitors who contribute significantly to the economy.

India’s growing middle-income segment presents a key opportunity for Saudi Arabia, as Indian tourists increasingly seek out long-distance luxury destinations. Traditionally driven by religious tourism and a large expatriate population, the Ministry of Tourism is collaborating with the Indian government to attract affluent travelers interested in unique experiences beyond the typical Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) segment. Meanwhile, Al Musallam expressed optimism about the resurgence of Chinese tourism and increasing leisure tourism from Europe.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed 104 million visitors, with international tourists making up 27 million of that total. Domestic tourism remains robust, contributing to a 21.5% increase in local spending. The Ministry of Tourism is working towards achieving a balance of 50% domestic and 50% international tourists by 2030, aiming for the tourism sector to represent 10% of the Kingdom’s GDP by then, a significant rise from 3.5% in 2019.

Saudi Arabia is also advancing large-scale tourism projects like Neom, Red Sea, Qiddiya, and Diriyah, designed to accommodate the growing international tourist influx. Several luxury hotels are planned, including five new Four Seasons properties, while major airports like King Abdulaziz in Jeddah and the soon-to-open King Salman Airport in Riyadh are being upgraded to handle increased traffic. Additionally, the launch of Riyadh Air in 2025 and ongoing foreign investment in the sector further underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to its tourism expansion.

Saudi Arabia begins Spectacular Saudi festival in Mumbai

 

Saudi Arabia’s national tourism brand, “Saudi Welcome to Arabia,” has unveiled its first immersive event, ‘Spectacular Saudi,’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The 8-day event kicked off with an exclusive VIP showcase on September 24 at R2 Ground in BKC, offering a sneak peek into Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, hospitality, and iconic experiences.

The VIP preview saw top figures from Bollywood, business, sports, and fashion, including Vicky Kaushal, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, and Suniel Shetty. Guests were welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee, dates, and the aromatic Bakhour, setting the tone for an engaging experience. Fashion designers Gaurav Gupta and JJ Valaya, alongside sports legends like Sania Mirza and PV Sindhu, also enjoyed the immersive exhibits on display.

Attendees were treated to interactive experiences, such as the ‘Mountains and Mirrors’ installation, inspired by Maraya Hall in Alula, and a ‘360 Selfie Corner’. Business magnates, including Yash Birla, were also part of the showcase. Moreover, guests had the opportunity to apply for Saudi visas on the spot by presenting a valid Mastercard or Visa credit card, along with exclusive travel deals for their future visits to Saudi Arabia.

Open to the public from September 25 to October 2, 2024, ‘Spectacular Saudi’ features exclusive giveaways, culinary experiences, and special travel offers. Visitors can enjoy a taste of Saudi Arabia and benefit from discounted travel packages, making this event a must-visit for those planning a trip to the Kingdom.

MakeMyTrip, ICICI boost international business travel with discounts

 

As India’s travel preferences shift, premium experiences are becoming increasingly important. According to MakeMyTrip’s recent report, searches for international business class flights have risen by 10% between 2023 and 2024. While traditionally popular on long-haul routes like the USA and UK, this trend is now extending to shorter destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia.

To cater to this growing demand, MakeMyTrip has partnered with 10 leading international airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Vistara, offering up to 20% off on business class fares. ICICI Bank cardholders can enjoy an additional INR 10,000 off during the Business Class Fest, which runs from September 27 to October 2.

Saujanya Shrivastava, COO at MakeMyTrip, emphasised the evolving Indian traveller’s desire for premium experiences, stating, “With the Business Class Fest, we aim to make luxury travel more accessible and rewarding.” He also highlighted that the platform is increasingly recognised as the preferred choice for premium travellers, with more initiatives planned for the future.

This initiative follows MakeMyTrip’s launch of a dedicated Business Class Funnel for international flights, offering an immersive and user-friendly booking experience tailored specifically for business travellers. The feature ensures ease of use with refined filters and high-quality visuals, simplifying the process of booking premium flights.