Virgin Atlantic has officially launched its first-ever service to Saudi Arabia, with Flight VS242 arriving from London Heathrow at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This marks a significant milestone for the airline, highlighting its commitment to expanding international travel routes.

The new daily service to Riyadh is part of Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence on the global tourism map, aligning with the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 strategy. This initiative aims to diversify the economy and establish Saudi Arabia as a leading tourism destination. The kingdom is known for its diverse landscapes, from the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter to the lush highlands of Aseer and the pristine waters of the Saudi Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia’s calendar of dynamic events, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the MDLBEAST music festival, attracts millions of visitors each year. Looking forward, the FIFA World Cup 2034 is anticipated to further enhance the kingdom’s global profile, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a hub for sports, culture, and entertainment.

Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the Saudi market demonstrates the Virgin Group’s strategic expansion plans, providing new opportunities for tourism and international partnerships. With a reputation as a safe and welcoming destination, Saudi Arabia is increasingly appealing to European travelers in search of adventure and authenticity.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister for Tourism, emphasized that Virgin Atlantic’s arrival represents a new chapter for Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination. The service will allow more tourists from the UK and other regions to experience the country’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed 128 million air passengers, reflecting a 15% growth rate compared to 2023. This increase illustrates the kingdom’s rising appeal as a travel hub, according to the Minister.

Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic and founder of the Virgin Group, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating that he believes Saudi customers will enjoy the Virgin Atlantic experience. He also looks forward to welcoming them onboard soon.

The new daily service primarily targets Saudi customers, providing convenient access to the UK and smooth connections to twelve major North American destinations, including cities like Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, through a partnership with Delta Air Lines.

The route operates using the Airbus A330neo, recognized for its enhanced passenger comfort and lower environmental impact. Each flight has a cargo capacity of 30 tons, supporting the import and export businesses in Saudi Arabia, particularly for fresh produce and pharmaceuticals.

This new service is expected to strengthen trade ties between Saudi Arabia and key markets in the UK and the US, further establishing Riyadh as a vital hub for international commerce. The launch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 ambitions to enhance global connectivity and promote tourism.