Saudia Launches New Direct Route to Phuket, Thailand
Saudia has announced the launch of a new direct route connecting two major cities in Saudi Arabia to Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Thailand. The new service is set to commence in December 2024, offering travelers direct access from King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh.
This new route makes Phuket the second Thai city included in Saudia’s expanding network, following existing flights to the capital, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. With a total of 12 weekly round trips scheduled between Phuket and the two Saudi cities, the airline is poised to enhance travel options for both leisure and business travelers.
To operate this route, Saudia will utilize its state-of-the-art Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Arved Von Zur Muhlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia Group, expressed enthusiasm about the new offering, stating, “We are thrilled to open up this new direct route to Phuket, offering our guests even more choice and flexibility. Phuket is an iconic destination, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse attractions.”
The introduction of this route aligns with Saudia’s broader vision to expand its global network and connect travelers to popular destinations. Von Zur Muhlen added, “The addition of this new route demonstrates Saudia’s vision to expand our global network and connect our guests to the places they want to visit. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience Saudia’s renowned hospitality, premium inflight services, and convenient connections.”
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Saudia’s unveiling of its new First and Business Class check-in lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The exclusive lounge is designed to enhance the travel experience for Saudia’s First and Business Class passengers, as well as AlFursan Gold members.
The new lounge features ten dedicated check-in counters, each equipped with comfortable seating areas for passengers. Guests arriving at the lounge are greeted by specialized staff who offer traditional Saudi coffee and dates, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the lounge includes a café counter that serves a selection of hot and cold beverages.
The establishment of this new check-in space marks a significant milestone in Saudia’s strategy to strengthen its Jeddah hub. The airline aims to centralize operations within modern facilities, optimize connectivity and transit traffic, and maintain high standards of on-time performance through integrated operations.
By bolstering its Jeddah hub, Saudia is also contributing to the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to attract 330 million visits to Saudi Arabia. This ambitious plan aims to enhance tourism and create a more diversified economy, positioning the kingdom as a global travel destination.
As Saudia continues to expand its network and enhance its services, the new direct route to Phuket signifies the airline’s commitment to providing travelers with more options and greater accessibility to beautiful destinations around the world.