Abha, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region, has taken a prominent position on the global travel map with the resumption of Qatar Airways flights. Nestled amidst the Kingdom’s 20 highest mountain peaks and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, Abha is poised to welcome a growing wave of international visitors.
The Aseer region, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance, is home to Al Souda Mountain, the highest peak in Saudi Arabia. From pristine Red Sea coastlines to the desert landscapes featuring ancient inscriptions and traditional Bedouin communities, Aseer offers a diverse and captivating experience for visitors. The resumption of Qatar Airways flights to Abha International Airport (AHB) brings unprecedented accessibility to this remarkable region, aligning seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing tourism and economic growth.
On 2 January 2025, Qatar Airways, named the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, marked the return of its flights to Abha. Operating twice weekly, these flights connect travellers from Aseer to over 170 destinations through Doha’s award-winning Hamad International Airport. With this addition, Qatar Airways now serves 11 Saudi destinations, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM, operating over 140 weekly flights to the Kingdom.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, remarked, “We are delighted to resume flights to Abha, our 11th gateway in Saudi Arabia. With over 140 weekly flights, we connect more than 36,000 passengers weekly between Saudi Arabia and Doha. This highlights our commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting tourism and strengthening economic and cultural ties between our two nations.”
The resumption of Qatar Airways’ services to Abha is a strategic milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to elevate Aseer as a premier tourist destination. Aseer Development Authority’s Chief of Tourism, Mr Hatim Al-Harbi, emphasised this vision: “The resumption of flights by Qatar Airways between Doha and Aseer marks a pivotal milestone in our vision to position Aseer as an all-year-round tourist destination at the heart of the GCC. This initiative contributes significantly to our target of welcoming 9.1 million annual visitors in Aseer by 2030. This is more than just a route between two cities – it is a gateway to the future of tourism in Aseer.”
The new flights are expected to boost local economies, create employment opportunities, and showcase Aseer’s rich offerings to a global audience. From the breathtaking landscapes of Al Souda to the coastal gems along the Red Sea, Aseer stands ready to captivate both leisure and business travellers.
Highlighting the partnership’s significance, Air Connectivity Program CEO Mr Majid Khan noted, “The cooperation between the Air Connectivity Program and Qatar Airways is a significant step in enhancing the Kingdom’s air connectivity. This partnership not only connects our two countries but also opens doors for global visitors to explore the unique experiences that the Kingdom offers.”
Eng. Ali Masrahi, CEO of Cluster 2 Airports Company, added, “The commencement of direct flights between Doha and Abha represents a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
Departing every Thursday and Saturday, the new flights offer the following travel options:
- Doha (DOH) to Abha (AHB) – Flight QR1212: Departure 08:35; Arrival 11:15
- Abha (AHB) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR1213: Departure 12:15; Arrival 14:45
A rich history of in KSA
Since its inaugural flight to Jeddah in 1997, Qatar Airways has remained steadfast in its commitment to the Saudi market. The airline’s investments underscore its dedication to delivering exceptional travel experiences while supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
For more details on Aseer’s attractions, visit www.discoveraseer.com. Book tickets to Abha now on the Qatar Airways website or mobile application, and explore the unmatched beauty of Saudi Arabia’s southern gem.
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Image top of page courtesy of Qatar Airways
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