King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has welcomed the inaugural flight of British airline Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow, marking a major milestone in the airline’s expansion into the Saudi market.
The new daily service aims to connect travelers from Europe and the US to Saudi Arabia, amid projections of a 24% increase in air connectivity between the Kingdom and the UK by 2035.
Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority Ahmed Al Khateeb described the launch as a significant step in reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
He stressed that the strategic partnership with the Virgin Group would help attract more visitors from the UK and beyond, eager to explore Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty, rich heritage, and unique experiences.
In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed over 128 million air travelers, a 15% year-on-year increase, and views the UK as one of its most vital target markets.
Speaking at a press conference in Diriyah, Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson expressed his enthusiasm for the airline’s entry into Saudi Arabia.
He praised the Kingdom’s rapid development, citing tourism projects on the Red Sea, golf courses, luxury hotels, and new entertainment cities as key attractions.
Branson revealed that Virgin Atlantic will operate connecting flights from Riyadh to London, then onward to Los Angeles and other global destinations. He also hinted at an upcoming meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to explore further collaboration in tourism, including hotel ventures, cruise ships, and even space travel through Virgin Galactic.
Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said Virgin Atlantic’s arrival was made possible through collaboration with the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Air Connectivity Program.
He explained that the airline would serve not only as a travel link but also as a broader tourism partner through its associated brands - Virgin Holidays, Virgin Voyages (cruise tourism), and Virgin Galactic (space tourism).
The new route is expected to contribute 95,000 seats annually between London and Riyadh, with the goal of attracting more tourists from Europe and North America.
Hamidaddin noted that these developments align with efforts to enhance travel options and pricing through both international and local airline partnerships.
The launch of the Virgin Atlantic route reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global tourism hub and highlights the deepening ties between Riyadh and London.
With Riyadh evolving into a center of investment and tourism, the city offers a gateway to explore the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes - ranging from vast deserts and towering mountains in Asir to warm Red Sea beaches and coral reefs - along with its world-class events, continue to draw millions of visitors from around the globe.
