An air link from Gatwick to Saudi Arabia is being re-established after a nine year gap.
Flag carrier Saudia starts serving Jeddah six times a week from June 1, rising to a daily frequency in August.
The airline will deploy a long range Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the route to King Abdulaziz international airport.
Jeddah, located on Saudi Arabia’s east coast, is an hour’s drive from Mecca and will provide a connection for people travelling during Hajj – the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca which takes place on June 26–July 1.
Gatwick aviation development vice president Stephanie Wear said: “Saudia will be a very welcome addition to London Gatwick’s growing long-haul offer.
“Although we have services to Middle East destinations such as Dubai, Doha and in Egypt and Turkey, it will be the first time since 2014 we have had flights to Saudi Arabia.
“With the airline’s base in Jeddah, this route also provides excellent onward connections to destinations such as Pakistan, Malaysia, India and Bangladesh.”