The Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) gave permission for China Southern Airlines to start regular flights between Saudi Arabia and China, starting on April 16. The operational plan includes four passenger/commercial flights and three air cargo flights, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
This step is part of GACA’s ongoing efforts to boost air connectivity and expand the air transport network, in line with Vision 2030 objectives and the Saudi aviation strategy.
The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and China Southern Airlines signed a new air route agreement in early March, connecting Beijing to Riyadh. The route, scheduled to start in April 2024, will feature two weekly flights between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
In addition, there will be two weekly flights between Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) and King Khalid International Airport, to start in June 2024.
This agreement came amid a rising demand for air travel between China and Saudi Arabia. It comes in line with ACP’s efforts and the broader Saudi initiatives to boost capacity and meet the increasing need for direct flights.
These efforts are further complemented by the recent expansion of air routes between Saudi and Chinese airports by China’s Hainan Airlines and the Saudi flag carrier, SAUDIA.
Commenting on the agreement, Majid Khan, CEO of ACP, said, “We are pleased to announce the entry of China Southern Airlines, a prominent global airline, into the Saudi market with the launch of direct flights from Beijing Daxing Airport and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to Riyadh.”
“The introduction of these new routes reflects our commitment to expanding direct connectivity with China. We look forward to collaborating with China Southern Airlines to provide travelers from China with greater opportunities to discover Saudi Arabia’s unique cultural treasures,” he added.
Underlining the significance of the Chinese market, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, said, “We aim to make China one of the top three source markets by 2030 welcoming millions of Chinese travelers to experience the true home of Arabia.”
In another development, ACP and China Eastern Airlines entered a strategic partnership to launch a new air route directly linking Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. It is scheduled to operate on April 8, with three weekly flights.
The recent agreements reflect the growing interest and demand for travel between the two countries. They also align with the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen relations with China, with the aim of promoting cultural understanding and opening up new opportunities for growth.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to become a prominent hub in the Middle East and a key connection point between East and West. In 2023, Saudi Arabia witnessed a record of 100 million tourists, including 27 million foreign tourists.
