Saudia Launches New Flights to Vienna, Athens, and Bali

RIYADH- Saudi Arabian Airlines, or Saudia (SV), a national carrier, has significantly expanded its international network by launching new direct flights to Bali (DPS), Vienna (VIE), and Athens (ATH). These additions mark a major step in the airline’s ambitious growth strategy for 2025.

Saudia’s growth comes amid strong momentum in international passenger traffic, which surged 16% year-over-year in 2024. This surge reflects the airline’s increasing appeal among global travelers and its ability to serve as a competitive connector between East and West.

Photo- Saudia

Asian Connectivity Through Bali

The airline introduced a scheduled service to Bali (DPS) with 3 weekly flights departing from Jeddah (JED), making it Saudia’s second regular destination in Indonesia after Jakarta (CGK). The inaugural flight SV856 took off from King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah (JED) on March 31, operated by a Boeing B787 Dreamliner.

Flight times have been strategically coordinated to connect with Saudia’s broader domestic and international network, as well as with services operated by fellow SkyTeam alliance members.

The Bali route will be served by the airline’s Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring advanced technologies, customized in-flight entertainment, spacious seating, and enhanced onboard services.

European Connect with Vienna and Athens Routes

Simultaneously, Saudia (SV) launched direct flights to Vienna (VIE), operating 3 weekly services from King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) to Vienna International Airport (VIE) using an Airbus A320. The airline plans to extend this service with flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) beginning in June.

The carrier also introduced seasonal flights to Athens (ATH), Greece’s capital, which will operate 3 times weekly. The first flight departed from Riyadh (RUH) on April 2, also using an Airbus A320. Saudia (SV) plans to launch additional flights from Jeddah (JED) to Athens (ATH) starting in June 2025.

Photo- Aero Pixels from England; Wikimedia Commons

Larger 2025 Expansion Strategy

These new routes are part of a broader plan announced in February to introduce 11 new destinations in 2025. Other planned destinations include Venice (VCE), Larnaca (LCA), Heraklion (HER), Nice (NCE), Malaga (AGP), and El-Alamein (DBB), as well as Antalya (AYT) in Turkiye and Salalah (SLL) in Oman.

The expansion follows Saudia’s impressive performance in 2024 when the airline recorded a 16 percent year-on-year increase in international passenger traffic. This growth aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy, which aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030 and create 1.6 million jobs.

Currently operating a fleet of 147 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, Saudia (SV) plans to further expand its capacity and route coverage by adding 118 new planes. This fleet expansion will support the airline’s goal of increasing its global market share and strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the world.

Photo Compiled by Aviation A2Z

Kingdom’s Air Connectivity Program

The new services reinforce Saudia’s role in the Kingdom’s Air Connectivity Program, which has introduced more than 60 new direct routes since its launch in 2021. According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, flight operations in Saudi Arabia reached approximately 905,000 in 2024, reflecting an 11 percent year-on-year increase.

These operations included 474,000 domestic flights and 431,000 international flights. Air connectivity expanded by 20 percent, linking Saudi Arabia to over 170 destinations worldwide.

With more than 530 daily flights, Saudia’s ongoing international development plan aims to increase its global reach and position itself as a key player in international travel, serving over 100 destinations across four continents.

Last month, the airline also signed an agreement with Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to expand pilgrim transportation and improve services for the 2025 Hajj season, further strengthening its international partnerships.

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