Wizz Air Launches London-Medina Direct Flight

Wizz Air is set to make aviation history by becoming the first airline to offer a direct flight from London to Medina, Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking route will operate from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Medina Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) starting on August 1, 2025, marking a significant expansion of Wizz Air’s network beyond Europe.

Expanding the Network Beyond Europe

In a press release on February 25, 2025, Wizz Air confirmed the launch of the new London-to-Medina route as part of its strategy to broaden its presence from the UK to new international markets. Marion Geoffroy, Managing Director of Wizz Air in the UK, stated, “We are delighted to announce this new route from London Gatwick to Medina. It is an important milestone for the airline, as we continue to widen our network from the UK beyond Europe.” The move reflects Wizz Air’s commitment to opening up more global connections and catering to the growing demand for direct services to the Middle East.

Advanced Fleet and Increased Capacity

The new London-Medina service will be the second route from the UK utilizing the state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Wizz Air is enhancing its fleet with these longer-range jets, with the first A321XLR expected to arrive in late February 2025. This aircraft is designed to offer exceptional fuel efficiency and extended range, making it ideally suited for long-haul low-cost operations. The new route is expected to generate over 174,000 seats per year, catering to hundreds of thousands of new visitors traveling to Medina—a city renowned for its religious significance and historical heritage.

Supporting Saudi Vision 2030

The launch of this new route is not only a win for Wizz Air but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. The program aims to diversify the Saudi economy and boost tourism by opening up the country to a broader range of international travelers. By connecting London with Medina, Wizz Air will help funnel more visitors to one of Islam’s holiest cities, enhancing cultural exchange and supporting the country’s economic transformation goals.

A Broader Middle East Expansion

Wizz Air’s expansion into the Middle East is well underway. Earlier, in September 2024, the airline announced its first daily flight to Jeddah (JED) in Saudi Arabia, with services commencing on March 31, 2025. This addition further reinforces the airline’s dedication to the region. With nearly 100 routes already operating across the Middle East, including a base in Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air continues to solidify its position as a leading low-cost carrier in the area.

Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development at London Gatwick, emphasized the significance of the new route: “Medina will be a new route from London Gatwick, so it is great to be able to offer more choice to our passengers with a second destination in Saudi Arabia, particularly as Medina is considered the second of the three holiest cities in Islamic tradition.” This sentiment underscores the airline’s goal of providing enhanced connectivity for leisure, religious, and business travel.

Wizz Air’s strategic move to launch the London-Medina direct flight is a testament to its ongoing growth and innovation in the aviation sector. By leveraging its modern Airbus A321XLR fleet and aligning with regional economic initiatives, Wizz Air is not only expanding its network but also contributing to the broader transformation of global air travel. Travelers can now look forward to a seamless and efficient journey connecting two culturally rich regions, opening the door to new travel experiences and opportunities.

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