Twenty new routes from Europe to Saudi Arabia are being introduced by Wizz Air.
The budget carrier plans to offer more than one million seats next year from Bucharest, Budapest, Catania, Larnaca, Milan, Naples, Rome, Sofia, Tirana, Venice and Vienna to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. One-way fares start at €54.99.
The network expansion is designed to boost the growing Saudi Arabian tourism sector and contribute to a ‘Vision 2030’ programme to triple the country’s passenger traffic.
The airline’s chief executive Jozsef Varadi said:“Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting countries in the world for aviation portraying an eclectic mix of travel opportunities with unmissable destinations, countless exciting attractions, and a thriving cultural scene.
“Today’s announcement follows the Memorandum of Understanding we recently signed with the government enabling us to contribute to Saudi tourism’s growth and its entire ecosystem.
“Not only does Wizz Air offer incredibly low fares to travellers given our operational efficiency, but we also fly one the youngest, most modern, and sustainable fleet of aircraft in the world.
“I see the Kingdom as a long-term strategic market for Wizz Air where we will continue to innovate and carry the flag of low cost flying for the benefit of Saudi residents and visitors as well as the country’s diversifying economy.”
Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive and member of the board at Saudi Tourism Authority, said:“Today’s announcement of 20 new routes to Saudi is one of the largest such announcements anywhere in the world.
“It is a real first for Wizz Air and for Saudi, and opens a new and affordable gateway for visitors from Europe that will allow everyone to come and explore the world’s most exciting new destination.
“We are making it easier than ever to get to Saudi and are confident that increased travel options and competitiveness will expand consumer choice and drive down costs.”