Qatar Airways Boosts Saudi Flights: New Routes To Abha And NEOM

The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has announced Qatar Airways' expanded operations in Saudi Arabia, including the relaunch of flights to Abha. According to ACP, Qatar Airways will begin two weekly flights to Abha International Airport starting soon. Additionally, the airline will increase its flights to NEOM from two to four per week during the winter season.

Majid Khan, CEO of ACP, expressed excitement about the new routes: "We are thrilled that World's Best Airline, voted by Skytrax, will commence direct scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia's beautiful Aseer region and the city of Abha and increase frequencies to Neom. Tourists will fly with Qatar Airways' large network from 170 destinations globally to Abha and Neom via Doha Hub. This new route supports our tourism strategy to bring Saudi Arabia's untouched tourism potential closer to the World."

Eng. Ali Masrahi, CEO of Cluster 2 Airports Company, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Qatar Airways. He stated that this partnership aligns with their objectives under the National Aviation Strategy and ACP, enhancing their global connectivity.

Acting CEO of the Aseer Development Authority, Hashim Al Dabbagh, highlighted the region's ambition to become a year-round global tourist destination. He expressed satisfaction with Qatar Airways' new flight route to Abha International Airport.

Al Dabbagh noted that while the current airport can handle 1.1 million passengers annually, the upcoming Abha International Airport will have a capacity of 13 million passengers per year. This expansion is expected to significantly boost tourism in the area.

The increased frequency of flights and new routes are part of a broader strategy to enhance air connectivity in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration between ACP and key stakeholders aims to unlock the country's tourism potential by making it more accessible to international visitors.

Qatar Airways' extensive network connects travelers from 170 destinations worldwide through its Doha hub. This connectivity is crucial for attracting tourists to lesser-known regions like Aseer and NEOM.

The introduction of these new routes is seen as a significant step towards achieving Saudi Arabia's tourism goals. By improving accessibility, it is anticipated that more tourists will explore the unique attractions and natural beauty of regions like Aseer.

This initiative also supports Saudi Arabia's broader vision of diversifying its economy through tourism development. Enhanced air connectivity plays a vital role in this strategy by facilitating easier travel for international visitors.

Flights to Abha

On Thursdays and Saturdays, Flight QR1212 will depart from Doha (DOH) at 08:35 and arrive in Abha (AHB) at 11:15. The return flight, QR1213, will leave Abha at 12:15 and reach Doha by 14:45.

Current Flights to NEOM

Currently, flights to NEOM are available on Thursdays and Saturdays. Flight QR1204 departs from Doha at 03:20, arriving in NEOM (NUM) at 06:10. The return flight, QR1205, leaves NEOM at 07:10 and lands in Doha by 09:55.

Winter Flights to NEOM

During the winter season, Qatar Airways will increase the frequency of flights to NEOM. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Flight QR1204 will depart from Doha at 07:10 and arrive in NEOM at 10:25. The return flight QR1205 will leave NEOM at 11:30 and arrive in Doha by 14:00.

The expanded schedule aims to provide more travel options for passengers flying between Doha and these destinations. This move is expected to boost tourism and business travel in the region.

With inputs from SPA