Saudia Transitions Operations as New Riyadh Airline Takes Flight
In a strategic move, Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, is set to gradually relocate its operations from Riyadh’s airport to accommodate the kingdom’s upcoming airline, Riyadh Air, scheduled to launch in 2025. This transition aims to optimize resources and allow Saudia to concentrate on its primary hub in Jeddah.
According to Mohammed Alkhuraisi, Vice President of Strategy at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the transition will be orchestrated in a synchronized manner to ensure minimal disruption to capacity and connectivity in the Saudi capital. Riyadh Air will assume slots previously held by Saudia, facilitating a smooth transition process.
As Saudia shifts its focus to Jeddah, plans are underway to expand operations in Madinah, a significant religious tourism site in Islam. The expansion of Madinah’s airport, doubling its capacity to 17 million passengers, will accommodate Saudia’s increased presence in the region.
The realignment of Saudia’s operations reflects a strategic decision to cater to religious pilgrims while positioning Riyadh Air to target tourist segments. Riyadh Air is poised to compete with prominent Gulf carriers for transfer traffic, signaling a new era in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape.
The kingdom’s airports witnessed a record air traffic surge in 2023, with 112 million passengers traveling through its terminals, marking significant growth despite challenges posed by the pandemic. This transition underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its aviation sector’s efficiency and competitiveness.
In a related development, Bloomberg News reported on the potential transfer of Saudia’s ownership to the Public Investment Fund, aligning with broader strategic objectives within the kingdom’s aviation industry.
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