British Airways is set to resume direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Jeddah (JED) after a five-year hiatus. This move, announced at the GREAT Futures Initiative Conference in Riyadh, marks a significant step in boosting air connectivity to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new route will commence on November 4, offering year-round service and reinforcing the link between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
BA will operate four weekly flights using a fleet of Boeing 787s, which, for high net worth travellers, have the advantage of boasting eight first class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
This initiative, sponsored by the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP), aims to enhance air connectivity from the Saudi capital and support the growth of inbound tourism and the aviation market in the Kingdom.
Majid Khan, ACP Chief Executive, and Eng. Mazen Johar, Jeddah Airports Chief Executive, expressed their enthusiasm about the return of British Airways. They highlighted that the resumption of these flights would not only strengthen connectivity from London but also open up new opportunities for both tourism and business sectors.
British Airways’ extensive network across the UK, Europe, and North America provides an excellent opportunity for travel advisors to promote Saudi Arabia as a prime destination. The direct flights from London Heathrow to Jeddah will allow travellers to explore the untouched wonders of Saudi Arabia with ease and comfort, courtesy of one of the world’s leading global carriers.
British Airways’ chief commercial officer Colm Lacy said, “We have a long history of connecting families, friends, and businesses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with our home in London. There are significant opportunities for businesses in both countries, so we’re pleased we can re-build our connectivity and strengthen links between the two kingdoms.”
Benefits for inbound tourism
This new route is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism, providing a direct and convenient travel option for tourists and business travelers alike. The increased connectivity will facilitate easier access to Saudi Arabia’s diverse cultural, historical, and natural attractions, thereby promoting the Kingdom as a top travel destination.
Travel agents are encouraged to leverage this new route to enhance their offerings, creating bespoke travel packages that highlight Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and modern attractions. The resumption of British Airways flights is poised to play a pivotal role in driving tourism growth and fostering closer ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
$31bn airport expansion planned for Jeddah airport
It’s worth mentioning that Jeddah Airports Company (Jedco) has embarked on a significant expansion of King Abdulaziz International airport, involving a SR115bn ($31bn) investment to scale its capacity to 114 million passengers annually by 2031. This initiative includes the revamp of Terminal 1 and the construction of Terminal 2. The refurbishment of Terminal 1, set for completion in 2026, will extend its capacity by 15 million passengers through the addition of new gates, lounges, and upgraded baggage systems.
Terminal 2’s construction is slated to begin in 2026 and finish by 2031, enhancing the airport’s capacity nearly threefold from the current 40 million passengers. This terminal alone represents a $10bn investment, incorporating new gates, taxiways, and state-of-the-art systems. Additionally, a fourth runway is in the pipeline, planned to start in 2025 and complete by 2029, necessitating substantial infrastructural changes due to spatial constraints.
Jedco isn’t just focusing on passenger services; a new logistics zone will start development this year, projected to finish by 2029, spanning over three square kilometres for customs, services, and private warehouses. Another key development is the new Hajj and Umrah terminal, anticipated to serve 15 million pilgrims annually and expected to be operational by 2025.
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Photo top of page – First class on a BA 787 – courtesy of BA
