The new routes, which connect cities across Europe, Asia, and Africa, have been rolled out in close collaboration with national and international airlines. The goal is to not only enhance the nation's global connectivity but also drive tourism numbers, which are expected to surge in the coming years. The Air Connectivity Program, launched in 2021, has already established partnerships with numerous carriers, contributing to the rapid growth of direct international routes to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, among other cities.
Saudi authorities have made it clear that the aviation expansion is a critical component of the kingdom's economic diversification efforts. The drive to shift the economy away from reliance on oil exports has prompted massive investments in the travel and tourism sectors. The Air Connectivity Program, backed by substantial government funding, is designed to attract both leisure and business travelers by improving ease of access to the kingdom’s cities and regions.
Part of the program’s success has been its ability to attract major airlines to open new routes. Carriers from multiple regions, including Europe’s Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France, as well as regional players like Emirates and Qatar Airways, have established new connections to Saudi Arabia. In Asia, airlines such as Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines have launched routes, while African airlines have also begun linking their key hubs with Saudi destinations. The country’s flag carrier, Saudia, has played a significant role in the program’s rollout, adding dozens of new international flights to its roster over the last two years.
One of the major objectives of the Air Connectivity Program is to develop Saudi Arabia into a global aviation hub, a position historically dominated by the Gulf states of the UAE and Qatar. To achieve this, the kingdom is constructing a new international airport in Riyadh, which is set to be one of the largest in the world upon completion. This ambitious project, in combination with the expansion of existing airports in Jeddah and Dammam, is expected to create significant competition with the region’s established aviation players.
The influx of flights to Saudi Arabia is directly aligned with its tourism goals. By 2030, the kingdom aims to attract 100 million visitors annually. This would mark a dramatic increase from its current numbers and reflects Saudi Arabia’s intention to position itself as a premier destination for both religious and recreational tourism. The country’s iconic cultural and historical sites, including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as well as projects like the futuristic megacity Neom and the Red Sea luxury resorts, are expected to serve as major draws for international tourists.
The boost in air connectivity also supports Saudi Arabia’s business objectives, particularly in drawing foreign investment. By providing easier and more efficient travel options for business executives, the country hopes to attract international firms seeking to establish a presence in the kingdom. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has launched various economic cities, including King Abdullah Economic City and the Financial District in Riyadh, which are designed to serve as hubs for business innovation and global trade. Enhanced air access is viewed as a critical factor in luring multinational companies to these emerging business centers.
Notably, the Air Connectivity Program is also focused on building Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism market. New routes between major cities, as well as connections to more remote regions such as AlUla and Tabuk, are part of a strategy to encourage Saudis and residents to explore the kingdom’s diverse landscapes. Domestic travel has seen a marked rise since the start of the program, with new flights making previously hard-to-reach destinations more accessible to local tourists. This has also been part of the government’s effort to retain more tourism spending within the country.
The success of the Air Connectivity Program is being closely monitored by the global aviation industry. Analysts have pointed to Saudi Arabia’s heavy investments in infrastructure, airport capacity, and airline partnerships as key reasons for the rapid expansion of routes. Moreover, the kingdom’s ability to negotiate with a wide range of international carriers has allowed for the seamless introduction of new flights, with airlines eager to tap into the growing demand for travel to Saudi Arabia.
Industry experts suggest that Saudi Arabia’s expanding air network will continue to grow as the kingdom ramps up efforts to meet its Vision 2030 targets. As more airlines sign on to the program, there is widespread anticipation that the number of new routes will surpass the current 60, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s role as a leading player in the global aviation market.