RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s main carrier, Saudia, has begun direct flights to Vienna and Athens as part of a larger network expansion strategy.
According to a corporate statement, the airline will operate three weekly flights to Austria’s capital, beginning with an Airbus A320 service from King Abdulaziz International Airport to Vienna International Airport. Saudia intends to expand the service with flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport beginning in June.
The aviator also announced seasonal flights to Greece’s capital, which would run three times per week, with the first trip departing Riyadh on April 2 and piloted by an Airbus A320. The national flag carrier is also planning flights from Jeddah to Athens beginning in June 2025.
The flights are part of a previously stated strategy to add 11 new destinations this year, including Venice, Athens, Nice, Malaga, and Bali. The expansion comes as Saudi Arabia reported a 16 percent year-on-year rise in international passenger traffic in 2024, in line with the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy, which aims to attract 150 million annual visitors by 2030.
The airline announced the Vienna service on its official X account, writing: “This new destination is an addition to Saudia’s network of over 100 destinations across four continents, supporting national efforts to grow tourism, entertainment, sports, and religious travel, including Hajj and Umrah.
Also Read:
The Saudi CMA Takes action to Strengthen SPEs’ Debt Issuance Oversight
After Eight Years, Kuwait Re-Enters the Global Debt Markets With a New Borrowing Law
