Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) welcomed Italy’s flag carrier ITA Airways on its inaugural direct flight from Rome to Riyadh on June 3, 2024. The ceremony, organized by Riyadh Airports Company, marked a significant step in expanding air links between the Kingdom and Europe. Representatives from various partners in the Saudi aviation and tourism ecosystem attended the event, which highlights the growing opportunities for inbound travelers to Saudi Arabia.
Context and Background
The launch of ITA Airways’ direct service between Rome and Riyadh reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance global air connectivity under the National Tourism Strategy. The Air Connectivity Program, operating under the Ministry of Tourism, aims to connect unserved and underserved markets to the Kingdom, supporting the ambitious goal of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030. This new route not only strengthens ties with Italy but also opens up seamless travel options for passengers from ITA’s extensive network in the Americas, further integrating Saudi Arabia into global aviation networks.
Key Details
Aymen Aboabah, CEO of Riyadh Airports, and Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Program, jointly expressed their enthusiasm: “We are delighted to welcome ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, as it launches direct flights between Rome and Riyadh—two key aviation hubs. ITA’s entry into the Saudi market will greatly enhance our air connectivity, promote tourism between these vibrant capital cities, and attract more inbound visitors from the airline’s extensive network in America. We look forward to working with our partners to offer travelers from around the world seamless and convenient access to the wonders of Saudi Arabia.”
Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of ITA Airways and CEO of Volare, commented: “We are proud to inaugurate today our first nonstop flight to Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, a growing and strategic market for ITA Airways especially for business traffic. This new Riyadh – Rome connection marks a significant milestone for our Company and will intensify trade flows between the Arabian Peninsula and our Country. Our commitment to the Middle East region will continue with the introduction of new nonstop flights to Kuwait City and Jeddah in July and August, respectively.”
Implications and Impact
The new Rome-Riyadh route is poised to boost bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Italy. It provides Italian and European travelers with direct access to Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and rapidly developing entertainment and business sectors. Moreover, the connectivity through Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, a major hub, allows travelers from North and South America to reach Riyadh with ease, further positioning Saudi Arabia as a global destination. This development aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and increase international tourist arrivals.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The launch of ITA Airways’ direct flight is a concrete example of how Saudi Arabia is advancing its Vision 2030 objectives by expanding air connectivity and tourism infrastructure. The Air Connectivity Program’s collaboration with international carriers like ITA Airways supports the National Tourism Strategy’s vision to establish the Kingdom as a global leader in tourism air connectivity. As Saudi Arabia continues to open up to the world, such partnerships will play a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and showcasing the Kingdom’s hospitality and cultural treasures to a global audience.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Air Connectivity Program (ACP)?
A1. The ACP is a Saudi initiative under the Ministry of Tourism that enhances air links from unserved and underserved markets to Saudi Arabia. It aims to boost tourism and achieve the National Tourism Strategy’s goals.
Q2. Which airline launched its inaugural flight to Riyadh?
A2. ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, launched its first direct flight from Rome to Riyadh on June 3, 2024, marking a new chapter in Saudi-Italian aviation relations.
Q3. Who organized the welcome ceremony for ITA Airways?
A3. Riyadh Airports Company organized the ceremony, which was attended by representatives from various partners in the Saudi aviation and tourism ecosystem.
Q4. What did Aymen Aboabah and Majid Khan say about the new route?
A4. They welcomed ITA Airways, highlighting that the direct flights will enhance air connectivity, promote tourism, and attract more inbound visitors from the airline’s network in America.
Q5. What did Emiliana Limosani say about the new route?
A5. She expressed pride in inaugurating the first nonstop flight to Riyadh, calling it a milestone that will intensify trade flows and reaffirming ITA’s commitment to the Middle East with new flights to Kuwait and Jeddah.
Q6. How does this new route benefit Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector?
A6. It provides direct access for Italian and European travelers, making it easier for them to visit Saudi Arabia’s attractions, thereby increasing tourist arrivals and supporting the goal of 150 million visitors by 2030.
Q7. What is the significance of Rome as a hub for this route?
A7. Rome’s Fiumicino Airport is a major international hub, offering seamless connections for travelers from the Americas, which helps position Saudi Arabia as a global destination.
Q8. When will ITA Airways start flights to Jeddah and Kuwait City?
A8. ITA Airways plans to introduce nonstop flights to Kuwait City in July and to Jeddah in August, expanding its presence in the Middle East.
Q9. How does this route support Saudi Vision 2030?
A9. It directly supports Vision 2030 by enhancing air connectivity, boosting tourism, and diversifying the economy, aligning with the National Tourism Strategy’s objectives.
Q10. What is the National Tourism Strategy?
A10. It is a Saudi initiative to establish the Kingdom as a global tourism leader, aiming to attract 150 million visits annually by 2030 and increase tourism’s contribution to GDP.
Q11. Which Saudi ministry oversees the Air Connectivity Program?
A11. The ACP operates under the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, which works to enhance the Kingdom’s tourism ecosystem and global connectivity.
Q12. What other international airlines have recently launched routes to Saudi Arabia?
A12. Several airlines have recently started services to Saudi Arabia as part of the ACP’s efforts, including carriers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, though specific names vary.
Q13. How does the new route impact trade between Italy and Saudi Arabia?
A13. The direct connection is expected to intensify trade flows by facilitating business travel and cargo movement, strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Q14. What is the role of Riyadh Airports Company?
A14. Riyadh Airports Company manages and operates Riyadh’s airports, ensuring high-quality services and infrastructure to support increased air traffic and passenger experience.
Q15. What are the benefits for Italian travelers visiting Saudi Arabia?
A15. Italian travelers gain convenient access to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and historical sites, business opportunities, and entertainment offerings, enhancing people-to-people ties.
Q16. How does this route contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification?
A16. By boosting tourism and business travel, the route helps reduce reliance on oil, creating jobs and stimulating growth in sectors like hospitality and retail.
Q17. What is the expected frequency of the Rome-Riyadh flights?
A17. ITA Airways will operate the route with a regular schedule, though specific frequency details were not provided in the announcement.
Q18. How does the ACP measure the success of new routes?
A18. Success is measured by increased passenger numbers, enhanced connectivity, and contributions to tourism and economic targets set out in the National Tourism Strategy.
Q19. What other destinations does ITA Airways serve in the Middle East?
A19. ITA Airways currently serves several Middle Eastern destinations and plans to add Kuwait City and Jeddah, expanding its network in the region.
Q20. How can travelers book flights on the new Rome-Riyadh route?
A20. Travelers can book through ITA Airways’ official website, travel agencies, or online travel platforms, with options for connecting flights from various global cities.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.