Saudia Airlines’ Operational Shift: Jeddah Hub Takes Center Stage

Saudia Airlines, the Kingdom’s national carrier, is preparing for a gradual transition away from Riyadh Airport, paving the way for a new airline in the Kingdom centered around its main hub in Jeddah. This strategic shift aligns with Saudi Arabian Airlines’ emphasis on serving pilgrims and Umrah performers.

Transition Plan: Saudia Airlines to Transfer Flights to Riyadh Airlines

According to Bloomberg, Mohammed Alkharisi, Vice President for Infrastructure and Strategy at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, stated that Saudia Airlines will hand over its share of flights to Riyadh Airlines. The latter is set to commence operations next year. Besides, Riyadh Airlines will acquire Saudi Arabian Airlines’ share of flights. The aim is to preserve capacity and aviation connection to the Saudi capital

Expansion Strategy: Saudia Airlines Focuses on Medina Operations

Meanwhile, Saudia Airlines will expand its operations in Medina, where it will expand Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Riyadh Airlines aims to attract tourists in general, competing with major airlines in the Gulf region in the transportation sector. Bloomberg’s forecasts suggest that the Public Investment Fund may take ownership of Saudi Arabian Airlines next year as the fund currently owns Riyadh Airlines.

Inauguration of Sec. Phase of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport Project

Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Medina Region inaugurated the second phase of the development and expansion project of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport. The project’s overall objective includes tripling the capacity, which is now 8 million passengers per year. It seeks to increase the airport’s capacity to 17 million passengers by the end of 2027, at a cost of SAR 1.2 billion.

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