CEO of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program Majid Khan said the program has successfully attracted 12 new airlines, added 20 new destinations, and increased seating capacity by more than 1.5 million this year.
Speaking at the Routes Conference, underway in Bahrain from Oct. 6-8, Khan explained that the Air Connectivity Program is responsible for linking all 29 airports in Saudi Arabia. The program also serves as a central point to ensure the achievement of the Kingdom’s tourism goals, which include reaching 150 million tourists by 2030.
Khan emphasized the importance of developing sufficient direct flight capacity to Saudi Arabia to enable tourists worldwide to travel directly to the Kingdom, rather than via indirect routes.
Rashed Al-Shammari, Executive Vice President of Aviation Development at the Air Connectivity Program, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Routes Conference brings together key aviation stakeholders in Bahrain, adding that the Saudi participation highlights the Kingdom’s tourist destinations and the program’s role in linking the National Tourism Strategy with the National Aviation Strategy.
Al-Shammari noted that the program aims to create new direct air routes and enhance existing ones to connect Saudi Arabia to more than 250 destinations worldwide.
He pointed to over 100 scheduled meetings during the event with global aviation industry leaders to negotiate new partnerships and promote Saudi Arabia’s geographic location and role in the aviation sector.
Al-Shammari further stressed that adding new flights and expanding existing routes would support the regional growth of the tourism ecosystem.
Over the three-day conference, the program is showcasing services and opportunities to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity, targeting key international markets.
Launched in 2021, the Air Connectivity Program aims to boost tourism in Saudi Arabia by boosting air links between the Kingdom and the world.
The program acts as the executive enabler of both the National Tourism Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy. It seeks to foster collaboration and build partnerships between key players in the public and private sectors in both tourism and aviation to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global destination.
