Saudia inaugurates its new Dammam to Beijing route, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s connectivity with China and supporting regional tourism and economic growth through strategic air travel.
Saudia has officially launched its new Dammam to Beijing route, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s efforts to expand its international network. The inaugural flight, which took off on 28 October 2024 from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, is part of a strategic route connecting through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Operating twice a week, the new service underscores Saudia’s commitment to diversifying its offerings and enhancing global connectivity.
The launch event was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Wang Qimin, The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Engr. Mohammed Al-Hassany, CEO of Dammam Airports Company (DACO), and Mr. Wail Basaffar, Assistant Vice President of KSA Sales at Saudia. The new route positions Dammam as the third city in Saudi Arabia to offer flights to Beijing, joining Jeddah and Riyadh. This strategic move amplifies the total weekly capacity to Beijing to approximately 1,310 seats across four flights, complemented by 1,966 seats on six weekly flights to Guangzhou.
Operational Efficiency and Elevated Travel Experience
The new Dammam to Beijing route will be serviced by Saudia’s state-of-the-art Boeing B787 Dreamliner. This modern aircraft, recognized for its operational efficiency and advanced passenger comfort, reinforces Saudia’s dedication to offering a superior travel experience. The airline’s continuous fleet modernization supports its mission to meet and exceed customer expectations while ensuring flexibility in its operations. Saudia’s ability to utilize key hubs like Jeddah and leverage major airports for connecting flights demonstrates its adaptive and customer-focused approach.
Strategic Growth and Economic Impact
Engr. Mohammed Al-Hassany, CEO of Dammam Airports Company, emphasized the strategic importance of the new route. He noted, “The launch of flights to Beijing, in partnership with Saudia, reflects our commitment to diversifying the international destinations of King Fahd International Airport to meet travelers’ aspirations and enhance their experience. This initiative is part of our plan to develop international air traffic, aiming to attract new airlines and increase direct destinations, which will support economic and tourism growth in the Eastern Province.”
This expansion comes at a time when King Fahd International Airport has shown significant growth, with a 16.2% increase in passenger traffic from January to September 2024 compared to the previous year. The successful implementation of this new route is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the airport management and Saudia, contributing to the economic and tourism sectors.
Strengthening Saudi-China Travel Relations
The Dammam to Beijing route underscores Saudia’s role in bolstering the ties between Saudi Arabia and China. Mr. Wail Basaffar, Assistant Vice President of KSA Sales at Saudia, stated, “This new route is a testament to Saudia’s innovative and flexible operational model, which leverages our main hub in Jeddah as a cornerstone of our strategic plan. We also utilize other major airports for connecting flights to meet growing demand and cater to all guest segments.”
The increased connectivity between the two nations supports not only tourism but also business and cultural exchange, aligning with Saudia’s overarching goal of promoting international travel and enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global travel hub.
Impressive Growth Metrics
Saudia has witnessed considerable growth in demand for its China-bound flights. Since the launch of its operations to Beijing, the airline has transported over 84,890 passengers on 482 flights. The period from January to September 2024 saw a significant rise in passengers traveling to Guangzhou, with 78,560 guests carried—marking a 19% increase from the same period in 2023. The number of flights to Guangzhou also grew by 23%, reflecting Saudia’s expanding capacity and commitment to meeting market demand.
In conclusion, the launch of Saudia’s Dammam to Beijing route represents a pivotal expansion in the airline’s network, fostering stronger international links and supporting regional economic growth. With its modern fleet and strategic operational model, Saudia continues to play a crucial role in shaping the travel landscape of the Kingdom, underscoring its mission to connect Saudi Arabia to the world.
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
