Saudi ACP Highlights 12 New Airlines at Hong Kong Expo

The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP), the executive enabler of the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy and National Aviation Strategy, participated in the Super Terminal Expo 2024 in Hong Kong on Friday, November 8, 2024, where Executive Director Majid Khan announced that the program has facilitated the entry of 12 new airlines into the Saudi market during 2024, launched 22 new routes, and added two million seats to the Kingdom’s aviation capacity. The high-level appearance at one of Asia’s most influential aviation gatherings underscores Saudi Arabia’s determination to position itself as a leading global hub for air travel and tourism.

The Super Terminal Expo 2024 was held concurrently with the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA) Airline Leader Summit Asia, bringing together senior executives from airlines, airports, and aviation authorities across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Khan’s participation placed the Kingdom at the center of discussions on route development, airline partnerships, and the future of international connectivity, reinforcing the message that Saudi Arabia is open for business, tourism, and long-term collaboration. The announcement of 12 new airlines, 22 new routes, and two million additional seats represents a tangible, measurable expansion of the Kingdom’s air links with the world, driven by a clear national strategy and delivered through sustained partnership between the public and private sectors.

Context and Background

Why has Saudi Arabia invested so heavily in air connectivity, and what does this moment signify for global travelers and aviation partners? The Air Connectivity Program was launched in 2021 to boost tourism and strengthen air links between the Kingdom and destinations worldwide by developing both existing and potential routes. Serving as the executive enabler of the National Tourism Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, ACP works to foster collaboration and partnerships among key players in the public and private sectors across tourism and aviation. Its mandate is to expand the Kingdom’s network of direct flights, improve the competitiveness of Saudi airports, and attract international carriers that had previously overlooked the Saudi market.

This mission is embedded in the broader transformation of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and aviation sectors under Vision 2030, the national blueprint for economic diversification and social modernization. The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, a target that requires not only world-class destinations, hotels, and cultural experiences but also the routes and airline capacity to bring visitors to them. ACP’s work is therefore foundational: without expanded connectivity, even the most ambitious tourism projects cannot reach their full potential. The program’s participation in Hong Kong reflects the Kingdom’s recognition that Asia-Pacific markets, including Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, are essential sources of future visitors, investors, and business partners.

The Super Terminal Expo and the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia are recognized platforms where airlines, airports, and tourism authorities negotiate route launches, review market data, and shape industry strategy. By taking part, Saudi Arabia signals that it is a proactive, reliable partner in a competitive global aviation landscape, willing to engage directly with decision-makers who determine where aircraft fly and where travelers connect.

Key Details

What exactly did the ACP Executive Director announce, and why do these numbers matter? During his participation, Executive Director Majid Khan highlighted that the program has facilitated the entry of 12 new airlines into the Saudi market for 2024, launched 22 new routes, and added two million seats. Each figure represents a concrete step toward a more connected Kingdom. The arrival of 12 new airlines means more carriers are choosing Saudi Arabia as a destination, bringing with them their own networks, customer bases, and marketing reach. The 22 new routes expand the map of direct connections, reducing travel times for visitors and creating new opportunities for business travel, cargo, and tourism flows.

The addition of two million seats is equally significant. Airline seats are the raw capacity of tourism: without them, demand cannot be met and growth stalls. Two million additional seats translate into hundreds of thousands of potential new visitors, as well as greater convenience and choice for Saudis traveling abroad. Khan noted that ACP plays a vital role in achieving Saudi Arabia’s strategic tourism goals, which aim to attract 150 million tourists by 2030. The program’s approach combines route development, incentive design, and close coordination with airlines and airports to ensure that new services are sustainable and aligned with market demand.

Hong Kong was a fitting venue for these announcements. As a major international aviation and financial hub, it connects the Kingdom to one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Participation in the Super Terminal Expo alongside the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia allowed ACP to engage directly with airline leaders, airport executives, and tourism stakeholders who influence route decisions across Asia and the Pacific. The event also provided a platform to present Saudi Arabia’s tourism offering, including its heritage sites, cultural festivals, entertainment venues, and luxury resorts, to an audience that can help fill the new seats and routes with travelers.

International and Regional Impact

How does expanded Saudi air connectivity reshape travel patterns across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond? The Kingdom’s geographic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa gives it a natural advantage as a connecting hub. New routes launched with ACP’s support strengthen that advantage, enabling airlines to route passengers through Saudi airports and offering travelers more direct options between Asia-Pacific cities and destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. For regional economies, this means new trade lanes, faster cargo movement, and deeper people-to-people ties.

The entry of 12 new airlines also intensifies competition and choice, which benefits consumers through better schedules and fares. For Asia-Pacific carriers, Saudi Arabia represents a growing market with rising outbound travel demand, a youthful population, and a expanding business sector. For Saudi Arabia, partnerships with Asian airlines bring access to source markets that are critical to reaching the 150 million tourist target. The Hong Kong engagement thus reflects a two-way street: the Kingdom gains connectivity, and its partners gain access to one of the world’s most ambitious tourism and investment stories.

Beyond tourism, improved air links support the broader diplomatic and economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Asian nations. Trade delegations, students, patients, and business travelers all benefit from more direct flights, while cultural exchanges and sporting events become easier to organize. In this sense, ACP’s work is not only about aviation; it is about deepening the Kingdom’s integration with the global economy.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why is air connectivity a strategic priority rather than a purely commercial matter? Tourism is a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification agenda, and aviation is its enabling infrastructure. Every new route creates jobs in airports, hotels, retail, and services, and it generates foreign exchange earnings from international visitors. The two million additional seats announced for 2024 represent potential revenue for airlines, airports, and tourism businesses across the Kingdom, as well as tax and fee income for the public sector.

Strategically, connectivity strengthens Saudi Arabia’s soft power and its ability to host major events, from Expo 2030 in Riyadh to international sporting competitions and cultural festivals. It also supports the growth of new economic sectors, including logistics, e-commerce, and high-value manufacturing, which depend on reliable air freight links. By coordinating with the National Aviation Strategy, ACP helps ensure that airport infrastructure, airspace management, and regulatory frameworks keep pace with demand. The program’s partnerships with private-sector airlines and tourism companies also reflect the Vision 2030 emphasis on private-sector participation and foreign investment.

For international audiences, the message is clear: Saudi Arabia is investing in the systems that make travel seamless, and it is doing so in partnership with global airlines and industry bodies. The Kingdom’s presence at events such as the Super Terminal Expo is a signal of long-term commitment, not a one-off promotional appearance.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Air Connectivity Program connect to the wider ambitions of Vision 2030? Launched in 2021, ACP is a direct expression of the Vision’s goal to diversify the economy away from oil, create jobs, and open Saudi Arabia to the world. By expanding routes and attracting new airlines, the program supports the National Tourism Strategy’s target of 150 million tourists by 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy’s aim to build a world-class aviation sector. It also contributes to the Quality of Life Program by making travel easier for citizens and residents, and to the Kingdom’s broader efforts to become a global destination for business, culture, and entertainment.

The achievements announced in Hong Kong, 12 new airlines, 22 new routes, and two million seats, are measurable milestones on that journey. They demonstrate that Vision 2030 is not an abstract plan but a delivery framework that is already producing results in the aviation and tourism sectors. As Saudi Arabia continues to engage with international partners across Asia and the world, the Air Connectivity Program will remain a vital bridge between the Kingdom’s ambitions and the global travelers, investors, and airlines who will help realize them. The Kingdom’s forward-looking approach ensures that its air connectivity will keep expanding, connecting people and economies in ways that benefit Saudi Arabia and its partners alike.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Saudi Air Connectivity Program?

A1. The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) is a national initiative launched in 2021 to boost tourism by strengthening air links between Saudi Arabia and global destinations. It serves as the executive enabler of the National Tourism Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy, fostering public-private partnerships in aviation and tourism.

Q2. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the Super Terminal Expo 2024?

A2. Executive Director Majid Khan of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program represented the Kingdom at the Super Terminal Expo 2024 in Hong Kong, held alongside the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia. He highlighted the program’s achievements and strategic role.

Q3. How many new airlines entered the Saudi market in 2024?

A3. The Air Connectivity Program facilitated the entry of 12 new airlines into the Saudi market during 2024. This expansion increases competition, choice, and connectivity for travelers, supporting the Kingdom’s tourism and aviation goals.

Q4. How many new routes were launched in 2024?

A4. The program launched 22 new routes in 2024, expanding direct connections between Saudi Arabia and international destinations. These routes improve travel convenience and open new markets for tourism and business.

Q5. How many additional seats were added?

A5. Two million additional seats were added to the Saudi aviation market in 2024 through the program’s efforts. This capacity growth supports the target of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030.

Q6. What is the target number of tourists by 2030?

A6. Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030 under its National Tourism Strategy. Air connectivity is essential to achieving this goal by bringing visitors from key source markets.

Q7. Why did the ACP participate in the Hong Kong event?

A7. The ACP participated to engage with Asia-Pacific airline and airport leaders, promote Saudi Arabia as a global destination, and explore partnerships that can expand route networks and tourism flows.

Q8. What is the Super Terminal Expo?

A8. The Super Terminal Expo is a major aviation industry event held in Hong Kong, bringing together airlines, airports, and technology providers. It was held concurrently with the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia.

Q9. What is the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia?

A9. The CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia is a premier gathering of aviation executives that discusses industry strategy, market trends, and route development. It provides a platform for networking and partnership building.

Q10. How does ACP support Vision 2030?

A10. ACP supports Vision 2030 by expanding air connectivity, which drives tourism, creates jobs, and diversifies the economy. It aligns with the National Tourism and Aviation Strategies to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub.

Q11. What are the National Tourism and Aviation Strategies?

A11. These are national plans under Vision 2030 to grow tourism and develop a world-class aviation sector. ACP serves as their executive enabler, coordinating public and private sector efforts.

Q12. How does air connectivity benefit the Saudi economy?

A12. Air connectivity boosts tourism revenue, creates jobs in aviation and hospitality, and supports trade and logistics. It also attracts foreign investment and enhances the Kingdom’s global competitiveness.

Q13. What does the addition of two million seats mean for travelers?

A13. It means more flight options, greater convenience, and potentially better fares due to increased competition. It also makes it easier for international visitors to reach Saudi Arabia’s destinations.

Q14. Which regions are key source markets for Saudi tourism?

A14. Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East are key source markets. The Hong Kong engagement highlights the importance of Asia-Pacific travelers and airlines to Saudi tourism growth.

Q15. How does ACP collaborate with airlines?

A15. ACP works with airlines to develop new routes, provides incentives, and facilitates partnerships with airports and tourism authorities. This collaboration ensures sustainable and mutually beneficial connectivity.

Q16. What role do Saudi airports play in this expansion?

A16. Saudi airports are upgrading infrastructure and services to accommodate new airlines and routes. They are key partners in delivering seamless travel experiences and supporting the tourism target.

Q17. How does this benefit international airlines?

A17. International airlines gain access to a growing market with rising demand, supported by incentives and partnerships. They can expand their networks and tap into Saudi Arabia’s tourism and business traffic.

Q18. What is the significance of Hong Kong as a venue?

A18. Hong Kong is a global aviation and financial hub, providing access to Asia-Pacific decision-makers. It is an ideal platform to promote Saudi connectivity and attract new partnerships.

Q19. What are the next steps for ACP?

A19. ACP will continue to develop routes, attract airlines, and collaborate with stakeholders to meet the 150 million tourist target. It will build on the 2024 achievements to expand connectivity further.

Q20. How can travelers learn more about visiting Saudi Arabia?

A20. Travelers can explore official Saudi tourism channels and consult airlines for new routes. The Kingdom offers rich cultural, heritage, and entertainment experiences for international visitors.

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