Wizz Air, Europe's fastest growing and most environmentally sustainable airline globally*, today celebrates its two inaugural flights from Vienna to Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The two cities are entirely new routes for Vienna Airport, and will each be served twice weekly from the Austria’s capital in addition to the Arabian city of Dammam, which has already been on the schedule since September. The flights will be operated with the Airbus A321neo, the most sustainable aircraft in its category today. Flight tickets can be booked online at wizzair.com or via the airline's mobile app.
A journey to the enchanting Arabian world
With the two destinations, Wizz Air is further expanding its connection to Saudi Arabia and providing travelers with a deep insight into the Arab world. Visitors are now able to travel directly to both the well-known capital Riyadh and the coastal city of Jeddah. Riyadh offers a wide range of cultural attractions, including the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, the impressive Kingdom Tower with its viewing platform, and the Murabba Palace. Scenic highlights such as the Al Kharrarah National Park and the Rawdat Khuraim Nature Reserve transform the capital into a green oasis in the middle of the desert.
The modern port city of Jeddah is considered one of the most relaxed places in the Arab Kingdom. It offers local and international guests fun, vacation and tranquility. Thanks to attractions such as Fakieh Aquarium, Al Shallal amusement park or ATHR Gallery art gallery, the city is an experience for everyone. In addition, the city, which was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site, fascinates with miles of stunning sandy beaches, clear sea water and colorful coral reefs.
By 2030, the Arab Kingdom aims to triple its visitor numbers and thus further expand the country's tourism sector. With its new routes, Wizz Air offers travelers a fast and uncomplicated way to the sunny Arab world.
Robert Carey, President of Wizz Air, said: "We are excited to offer Austrians two new unique destinations, Jeddah and Riyadh, building on our existing service to Dammam and bringing closer the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with all its versatility. From unique culture to unusual leisure possibilities and breath-taking nature, there is something for everyone. With these new routes, Wizz Air now offers service from Vienna Airport to three destinations in Saudi Arabia and six destinations in the Middle East, once again confirming our commitment to the market. We will continue to innovate and carry forward the banner of low-cost, sustainable flying for the benefit of all those in Austria and Saudi.”
Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna International Airport adds: "With Riyadh and Jeddah, we are opening two important Wizz Air routes to Saudi Arabia today. This expands the range of connections between Saudi Arabia and Austria and supports the economic and tourism development of both regions. The airline's use of fuel-efficient A320neo aircraft also fits well with our climate protection offensive: Vienna Airport will run its operations CO2-neutral in January 2023!"
Khalil Lamrabet, Chief Executive Officer of the Air Connectivity Program, said: “It’s not every day that we see three of the world’s great cities brought together overnight. By connecting the heart of Europe with that of the Arab Peninsular, the rapidly expanding partnership between the Kingdom and Wizz Air sets an important new precedent. At the Air Connectivity Program, we are working hard to transform this commitment to increased air connectivity into a continued collaboration delivering shared and sustainable value for the whole ecosystem.”
Ayman bin Abdulaziz Abu Abbat, the CEO of Jeddah Airports, added: "Attracting more air carriers to the airport keeps pace with economic growth and increased demand for air transport services, as terminal (1) is currently operating, with a current capacity of (30) million passengers annually, reaching (114) million passengers by 2030. This will strengthen the successful work with partners from the authorities operating at the airport, in order to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services. He also stressed the continuation of Jeddah Airports to provide new destinations for travelers is within the strategic plan to develop both air traffic and enhance the competitiveness of the airport in order to keep pace with the major development witnessed by the Kingdom in various fields."
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company said: “This launch fits in with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Aviation Strategy, as KSA will be connected with international destinations offered at more affordable prices. This important step will boost the competitiveness of airlines working at King Khalid International Airport to provide passengers with more options and a better travel experience. Riyadh Airports is anxious to cooperate with the best airlines to offer more traveling options and destinations, together with better services. Wizz Air is a Hungarian ultra-low-cost carrier with an excellent reputation,” Al-Maghlouth concluded.
Wizz Air’s expansion is a sign of confidence in Vision 2030 and ‘destination Saudi’ and builds on the existing connectivity from the kingdoms long-term airline partners
*According to the CAPA – Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2022
