SAUDIA To Withdraw From Riyadh King Khalid Airport By 2030

Saudi Arabian flag carrier Saudia has announced its intentions to completely withdraw from the nation’s capital. The news paves the way for new incoming carrier, Riyadh Air, which will establish its hub in the city. As a result, Saudia will base itself predominantly at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), with the hub transfer expected to be finalized by the turn of the next decade.

Making way for the new state carrier

Serving the capital city of eight million will be entrusted to the newly established Riyadh Air. This brand new state-owned carrier aims to operate up to 300 aircraft within the next decade. In the meantime, incumbent Saudia looks to redeploy its aircraft and capacity on other routes from its hub in Jeddah.

Photo: Vytautas Kielaitis | Shutterstock

Peter Bellew, Chief Operating Officer of Riyadh Air, reiterated at the Dubai Airshow that Saudia is currently operating beyond its capacity, saying “Saudia has more business than it can handle with the current fleet down in Jeddah.” This re-configuration of Saudi Arabian aviation will allow both carriers to focus on their key hubs whilst respecting each other’s operations.

Read more: Riyadh Air Expects To Place Large Narrowbody Order In The Coming Months

A promising start for Riyadh Air

Not many airlines would be given such a welcome and opportunity; however, given that Riyadh Air and Saudia are both owned by the government in one form or another, the airlines are cooperating closely. The decision to dedicate all Riyadh-bound traffic to the new carrier will support and promote the city, attractions, and tourism to cities across the globe.

Photo: Riyadh Air 

Both carriers at the Dubai Airshow signed a notable codeshare agreement, which will help both airlines leverage an interconnected network for passengers. In turn, this will ‘futureproof’ both Riyadh and Jeddah as hubs for their respective airlines. Between the two airports, King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), and King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), are expected to become one of the top ten largest ‘airbridges’ in the world.

Doubling down on Jeddah and the west

Saudia will look to increase significant passenger traffic by 2030, projecting that numbers will increase over ten times compared to current figures. Forecasting up to 330 million passengers per year, the carrier hopes Jeddah will play a substantial role in Hajj, Umrah, general tourism, and other projects in the country’s west.

The airline has already been a substantial player in the development of the new Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which the area aims to be one of the world’s most ‘ambitious regenerative tourism destinations,’

Will it work?

While it’s no secret that both Riyadh Air and Saudia will have the backing of the Saudi government, it’s still yet to be seen if both carriers will be able to compete with neighboring heavyweights Qatar Airways and Emirates, which both have global networks from their Middle Eastern hubs.

Photo: Riyadh Air

The Middle East is in a unique position as an ideal stopping point for those traveling across the globe. From the likes of Asia to Europe, or Africa to North America, billions of travelers connect through the region globally year-on-year.

What do you think about Saudia’s adjustment to its network and operations to accommodate Riyadh Air? Let us know by leaving a comment!

Sources: Airwaysmag