King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has officially welcomed the first flight of China’s Hainan Airlines, inaugurating the Kingdom’s first direct air link to Haikou. Operating three times a week, this new route makes Jeddah the only city in Saudi Arabia currently offering direct connections to the Chinese island province, reinforcing the airport’s growing international status.
The launch follows a strategic agreement signed between Hainan Airlines and the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) to establish two new air routes between China and Saudi Arabia. This expansion builds on momentum from the Arab-China conference in April this year, and responds to increasing travel demand between the two countries.
Ranked among the world’s top ten airlines by Skytrax, Hainan Airlines’ arrival brings additional quality and choice to Saudi travellers. The two new services mark the third and fourth direct links between China and Saudi Arabia, after SAUDIA’s successful launches last year of Riyadh-Beijing and Jeddah-Beijing flights, alongside its long-standing Jeddah-Guangzhou connection.
Hainan Airlines recognised in Skytrax Top 10
The airline, founded in 1993 and based in Haikou, China, is one of the country’s largest and most prestigious carriers. Part of the HNA Group, it operates an extensive domestic and international network spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and now the Middle East. Recognised among the world’s top ten airlines by Skytrax, Hainan is known for its premium service, modern fleet, and strong safety record. The airline has earned numerous global awards for quality and innovation. Its strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia reflects growing economic and cultural ties between China and the region, aligning with broader Belt and Road ambitions.
During the official reception, Eng. Mazen bin Mohammed Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Company, said the milestone fits squarely within the airport’s wider ambitions to expand its international reach to 150 destinations by 2030, in line with Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030.
The event drew senior representatives from the Saudi Tourism Authority, the ACP, and the Chinese Consulate in Jeddah, reflecting the significance both nations place on strengthening bilateral ties.
Hainan Airlines’ Commercial Vice President, Jason Liu, noted that the timing was right for the airline’s expansion into Saudi Arabia, pointing to increasing global interest in the economic opportunities emerging in both Asia and the Middle East. He expressed confidence this would pave the way for deeper cultural ties and mutual growth.
Ali Rajab, CEO of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, described China as one of Saudi Arabia’s most important tourism and business markets. He emphasised the Kingdom’s efforts to create a tailored travel experience for Chinese visitors and said Hainan Airlines’ entry would provide even more opportunities for people and businesses to discover what both countries have to offer.
Majid Khan of ACP highlighted that bringing Hainan Airlines to Jeddah underlines the growing appetite for travel between Saudi Arabia and China, and helps advance shared goals in tourism, culture, and trade.
Meanwhile, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, spoke about the dynamic growth in Chinese visitor numbers — up by more than half compared to last year. He said this partnership with Hainan Airlines would support further marketing campaigns and initiatives aimed at reaching Saudi Arabia’s target of attracting five million Chinese tourists annually by 2030.
The surge in Chinese tourism to Saudi Arabia is a pivotal driver of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. As Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy beyond oil, attracting millions of Chinese visitors unlocks vast opportunities across hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors. It strengthens bilateral ties, encourages mutual investment, and fosters deeper people-to-people connections.
With China set to become Saudi Arabia’s third-largest source market, tailored experiences, enhanced air connectivity, and strategic partnerships like those with Hainan Airlines position the Kingdom to capture this booming demand. Ultimately, growing Chinese tourism is not just about visitor numbers — it’s about shaping a dynamic, diversified future.
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Photo top of page: Hainan Airlines Dreamliner
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