The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has joined forces with China Southern Airlines to introduce a new air route that will link Beijing directly to Riyadh, set to commence operations in April 2024. This service will include two flights every week between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Furthermore, starting from June 2024, passengers will have the option of two weekly flights connecting Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) with Riyadh, utilizing the A330-300 aircraft for these journeys.
In response to the increased demand for air travel between China and Saudi Arabia, this initiative is part of ACP’s and the broader Saudi ecosystem’s endeavor to expand flight capacity and meet the rising needs for direct links. This development is complemented by the recent extension of air routes between Saudi and Chinese airports by Hainan Airlines from China and SAUDIA, the Saudi national airline.
Majid Khan, CEO of ACP, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, “We are pleased to announce the entry of China Southern Airlines, a leading international carrier, into the Saudi market with the launch of direct flights from Beijing Daxing Airport and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to Riyadh. The introduction of these new routes underscores our commitment to enhancing direct connectivity with China. We are looking forward to working with China Southern Airlines to offer Chinese travelers enhanced access to Saudi Arabia’s unique cultural heritage.
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Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “This collaboration marks an exciting chapter in our journey to welcome more travelers from China, inviting them to explore Saudi’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and diverse offerings. It paves the way for memorable experiences at our world-class events, embracing the legendary hospitality that defines Saudi Arabia— a warm welcome that awaits visitors throughout the year.
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Aldabbagh also emphasized the strategic importance of the Chinese market, stating the goal to make China one of the top three source markets by 2030 and to welcome millions of Chinese travelers to experience the true home of Arabia. He drew attention to the recent achievement of Approved Destination Status, the introduction of the free Stopover Visa, and the ongoing efforts to streamline visa services as part of a broader commitment to enhancing air connectivity and travel experiences between the two nations.
Within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which is an ambitious economic diversification program focusing on growing tourism and aviation sectors, Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a leading aviation hub in the Middle East, serving as a key connection point between the East and West. In 2023, Saudi Arabia reported a record-breaking 100 million tourists, of which 27 million were international visitors.
The ACP, operating under the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is dedicated to improving air connectivity from unserved and underserved markets globally to the Kingdom. The program plays a pivotal role at the juncture of tourism and aviation, facilitating the National Tourism Strategy’s vision and Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to become a global leader in tourism air connectivity.
China Southern Airlines, a subsidiary of China Southern Air Holding Company Ltd., is renowned for its air transportation services. Headquartered in Guangzhou, the airline boasts a fleet of over 850 passenger and cargo transport aircraft, including Boeing B787, B777, B747, and B737, as well as Airbus A330, A321, A320, A319, and ARJ21, positioning it as the largest fleet in Asia.