More than doubling the scheduled number of weekly flights, British Airways has committed to thirteen flights a week for the upcoming winter season for 2025.
Significantly expanding its flight service between Riyadh (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR), British Airways has announced it will link the cities more regularly by increase its weekly departures from 7 to 13 flights. This move reflects the surge in travel demand between the two capitals, driven by a flourishing business sector, a growing expatriate community and an increase tourism interest in the Kingdom.
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This announcement comes as the United Kingdom's national airline, British Airways, works to enhance its wide-reaching, long-haul network for the Winter 2025 season. In addition to the increased frequency of flights between Riyadh and the British capital city, a number of other schedule adjustments have been announced and designed to increase capacity on popular routes and improve overall efficiency.
In the same announcement, British Airways confirmed that there would be slight changes to the London Heathrow to Jeddah route; with a change to the day of scheduled flights, and a the reduction of one flight from the current roster and maintain a three flight per week schedule. This flight route returned to the skies in November 2024, following a five-year hiatus.
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The enhanced air connectivity underscores the deepening ties between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. This significant increase in flight options will undoubtedly benefit both business and leisure travellers. Increased frequency provides greater flexibility and convenience for those traveling for work, facilitating trade and investment between the two nations.
Furthermore, this development will undoubtedly boost tourism for both the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. With more convenient travel options, visitors from both countries will have greater access to explore the cultural and historical richness of each other's cities. This increased cultural exchange will foster deeper understanding and strengthen the existing relationship.
Growing Rate of International Tourism to Saudi
In September 2024, a report revealed that Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is thriving, with a remarkable 73% increase in international tourist arrivals, and a staggering 207% growth in international tourism revenues, according to the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism.
In further data studies, the Kingdom has emerged as a global tourism hotspot, with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities attracting visitors from around the world. In a remarkable achievement, the Kingdom has secured the third spot globally in terms of international tourist arrivals growth in the first eight to nine months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2019.
As part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plans, Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and attract international investment, strong air connectivity with major global hubs like London will play a crucial role in its continued growth and development.