Virgin Atlantic has touched down in Riyadh, Saudi for the first time.
Virgin Atlantic’s first ever flight into the country, operated by an Airbus A330neo, landed with founder Sir Richard Branson onboard.
The airline’s newest route operates daily to King Khalid International Airport.
Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister for Tourism, hailed the new airlift: “Virgin Atlantic’s arrival into Saudi signifies the next chapter in the country’s emergence as a premier global destination. It opens the doors for more tourists from the UK and beyond.”
“Virgin Atlantic’s launch into Saudi is more than just a new route—it’s a perfect complement to Saudi’s growing global tourism appeal.
The UK is one of Saudi’s top priority markets, the minister said.
Branson added: “I know our new Saudi customers are going to love the Virgin Atlantic experience, and I can’t wait for our wonderful teams to welcome them onboard very soon.”
Saudi is the world’s 20th largest economy, the largest in the Middle East and air travel between the UK and Saudi is forecast to grow 24% between 2019-2035.
Saudi travellers can connect to twelve destinations throughout North America, on Virgin Atlantic and Delta networks, via Heathrow including Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, Boston and Detroit.
Saudi flights offer Upper Class fully flat beds and the Retreat Suite which is the airline’s largest ever business class seat.
