China Southern Airlines Inaugurates Riyadh Route

Recently, Saudi Arabia and China have taken a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity with the inaugural flight of China Southern Airlines landing in Riyadh on April 16. The flight, carrying approximately 247 passengers, achieved an impressive load factor of 86 percent, signaling strong demand for the new route.

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation has granted China Southern Airlines the license to operate regular weekly passenger and freight flights from Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen to Riyadh during the summer season of 2024. This includes four passenger and commercial flights along with three cargo flights, marking the beginning of a promising partnership between the two countries.

Ayman Aboabah, CEO of Riyadh Airport Co., expressed optimism about the new route's potential, highlighting the possibility of achieving a utilization rate of up to 90 percent during peak seasons. He also revealed plans to attract three to four additional carriers in the near future, further expanding air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China.

This development follows a high-level meeting in Beijing earlier this year, where officials from both countries discussed investment opportunities, technology transfer, and economic cooperation. The visit underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernizing its airport system and supporting the tourism sector's goal of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030.

In line with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, Saudia, the Kingdom's flag carrier, had previously launched direct flights between Jeddah and Beijing, recognizing the importance of increasing air connectivity with key markets like China. The addition of the Riyadh-Beijing route further strengthens ties between the two nations and opens up new opportunities for travelers seeking to explore both countries.

The inaugural flight of China Southern Airlines to Riyadh marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China. With plans for additional carriers and increased cooperation in the aviation sector, both countries are poised to benefit from strengthened ties and expanded travel options for passengers.