Saudi Arabia Explores Untapped Markets to Expand Global Flight Connections

Saudi Arabia Explores Untapped Markets to Expand Global Flight Connections

Saudi Arabia has established the Air Connectivity Program in 2021 to work with air carriers and airports with the aim to launch additional routes and flights to targeted destinations.

The Kingdom is seeking to become a global aviation hub through several initiatives and programs, at the forefront of which is the National Aviation Strategy, which seeks to connect 250 direct destinations to and from Saudi airports, increase air traffic, and raise the volume of cargo.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Executive Vice President of Aviation Development in the Air Connectivity program, Rashid Al-Shammari talked about a plan to expand air routes through 29 airports in the Kingdom by adding the largest number of plane seats.

He explained that the program links the National Tourism Strategy to the National Aviation Strategy through the launch of new routes, additional flights in priority target markets and seasonal trips.

He made his comments on the sidelines of the first annual meeting in the Middle East of the General Assembly of the Airports Council International, which is held in Riyadh from May 22-23.

He stated that the Air Connectivity Program has been able to launch more than 50 routes since its inception in 2021, and works to facilitate entry into