Transavia France to Launch New Jeddah Routes from Toulouse and Marseille

The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP), in partnership with Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), has announced that Transavia France will launch new direct flights from Toulouse and Marseille to Jeddah starting in October 2025. The expansion follows the successful debut last year of routes connecting Paris-Orly and Lyon with Jeddah, marking another milestone in the Kingdom’s rapid aviation growth. The announcement, released via the Saudi Press Agency, underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing global air links and advancing the tourism objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. With these new routes, Transavia France will operate four distinct French cities to Jeddah, significantly boosting connectivity between France and the Kingdom. The move is expected to facilitate a greater influx of European travelers, business visitors, and pilgrims, further positioning Jeddah as a premier gateway to Saudi Arabia.

Why does this development matter now? As Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic diversification and tourism ambitions, strategic partnerships with international carriers like Transavia France are critical. The new routes not only expand seat capacity but also signal confidence in Saudi Arabia’s aviation market. The ACP, established to improve air connectivity, works with airlines and airports to open new corridors and enhance existing ones. JEDCO, which manages Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, plays a vital role in ensuring seamless operations. Together, they are laying the groundwork for a more connected and accessible Kingdom, aligning with the National Tourism Strategy’s goal of attracting 150 million visits annually by 2030. This latest expansion reflects the growing demand for travel between France and Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s appeal as a diverse destination for leisure, business, and cultural exploration.

Context and Background

How did Saudi Arabia become a focal point for global air connectivity? The Air Connectivity Program was launched in 2021 as part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics and tourism hub. Its mandate is to develop existing air routes and establish new ones, thereby increasing the number of destinations served and the frequency of flights. Since its inception, the ACP has secured partnerships with numerous international airlines, resulting in a steady rise in passenger traffic. Jeddah Airports Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), oversees the operation and development of King Abdulaziz International Airport, the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia and a key entry point for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. The airport is undergoing significant expansion to accommodate up to 114 million passengers annually by 2030.

Transavia France, a low-cost subsidiary of Air France-KLM, has been operating in the French market for over a decade, with a focus on leisure destinations. Its entry into Saudi Arabia began in 2024 with the launch of flights from Paris-Orly and Lyon to Jeddah. Those routes exceeded expectations, prompting the airline to expand to Toulouse and Marseille. The new services will commence in October 2025, with multiple weekly frequencies. This expansion is part of a broader trend of European carriers recognizing the potential of the Saudi market. The ACP’s strategy involves not only attracting airlines but also ensuring that airports have the capacity and services to handle increased traffic. JEDCO has invested in modernizing terminals, streamlining immigration processes, and enhancing the passenger experience, all of which contribute to making Jeddah a preferred destination.

Key Details of the New Routes

What exactly will the new Transavia France routes offer? Starting in October, Transavia France will operate flights from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and Marseille Provence Airport to Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport. The airline will deploy its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, configured with 189 seats, on these routes. Flights from Toulouse will operate three times per week, while Marseille will see two weekly frequencies. This adds approximately 1,000 seats per week in each direction, significantly boosting capacity between southern France and Saudi Arabia. The schedules are designed to offer convenient connections for both leisure and business travelers, with departures timed to allow for smooth onward travel within the Kingdom.

The expansion complements the existing Paris-Orly and Lyon services, which have demonstrated strong demand. According to the ACP, the new routes are expected to carry over 100,000 passengers annually. The partnership between ACP, JEDCO, and Transavia France includes joint marketing efforts to promote Jeddah as a destination, highlighting its cultural heritage, Red Sea coastline, and modern attractions. The collaboration also involves operational support to ensure efficient turnaround times and high service standards. This announcement is part of a series of air connectivity wins for Saudi Arabia in 2025, including new routes from other European and Asian carriers. The Kingdom’s aviation sector is undergoing a transformation, with the aim of tripling passenger traffic by 2030.

International and Regional Impact

How will these new routes influence travel patterns between Europe and the Middle East? The addition of Toulouse and Marseille as departure points opens up direct access to Jeddah for travelers in southern France, a region with strong cultural and economic ties to the Mediterranean and North Africa. This is likely to stimulate tourism, as French travelers seek new experiences in Saudi Arabia’s historical sites such as Al-Balad, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town of Jeddah, and the emerging luxury resorts along the Red Sea coast. The routes also facilitate business travel, connecting French companies with opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing sectors, including renewable energy, technology, and entertainment. Furthermore, the increased connectivity supports the flow of pilgrims, as France has a significant Muslim population.

Regionally, the expansion reinforces Jeddah’s role as a gateway to the Kingdom and the wider region. It also intensifies competition among airlines, potentially leading to more competitive fares and better services for passengers. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a global aviation hub, rivaling established players like Dubai and Doha. The ACP’s success in attracting Transavia France demonstrates the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s open-skies policy and its collaborative approach with international partners. As more airlines add Saudi routes, the Kingdom’s connectivity index continues to rise, contributing to its economic diversification and global integration.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic benefits will these routes bring to Saudi Arabia? The aviation sector is a key pillar of Vision 2030, with the Kingdom aiming to increase its contribution to GDP from 3% to 10% by 2030. Each new route generates direct and indirect economic activity, from job creation at airports and hotels to increased spending by tourists. The ACP estimates that the new Transavia France routes will contribute tens of millions of riyals annually to the local economy. Additionally, improved connectivity enhances Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment and international events, such as Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The partnership with JEDCO ensures that infrastructure keeps pace with demand, as the airport’s expansion projects are on track to deliver world-class facilities.

Strategically, the expansion of air links with France strengthens bilateral relations. France is a key European partner for Saudi Arabia, with cooperation spanning energy, defense, culture, and education. Increased people-to-people exchanges foster mutual understanding and open doors for further collaboration. The new routes also support Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a logistics hub, as Jeddah’s port and airport are integrated into a multimodal transport network. By facilitating the movement of goods and people, the Kingdom enhances its position as a crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The ACP’s ongoing efforts to secure new routes are part of a comprehensive strategy to make Saudi Arabia one of the most connected countries in the world.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does this announcement fit into the larger Vision 2030 framework? The Vision 2030 plan, launched in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil, with tourism as a central pillar. The National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visits by 2030, up from 100 million in 2023. Air connectivity is a prerequisite for achieving this goal, as most international visitors arrive by air. The ACP’s work directly supports this by expanding route networks and increasing seat capacity. The new Transavia France routes from Toulouse and Marseille are a clear example of how the Kingdom is opening up to the world, making it easier for tourists to discover Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities.

Moreover, the partnership with JEDCO underscores the importance of developing world-class airport infrastructure. King Abdulaziz International Airport is undergoing a major transformation, with new terminals, expanded runways, and enhanced services. These upgrades are designed to handle the projected increase in passengers and to provide a seamless experience that reflects Saudi hospitality. The Vision 2030 objective of enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents is also served by better connectivity, which opens up opportunities for travel, education, and business. As Saudi Arabia continues to roll out ambitious projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, air links will be vital to bringing in visitors and investors. The ACP’s collaboration with Transavia France is another step toward making the Kingdom a global destination and a hub of commerce and culture.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Saudi Air Connectivity Program?

A1. The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) is an initiative launched in 2021 to enhance air travel to and from the Kingdom by developing existing routes and opening new ones, supporting Vision 2030 tourism goals.

Q2. Which new routes are being launched by Transavia France?

A2. Transavia France will launch new direct flights from Toulouse and Marseille to Jeddah, starting in October 2025, adding to its existing routes from Paris-Orly and Lyon.

Q3. How many weekly flights will operate from Toulouse and Marseille?

A3. Flights from Toulouse will operate three times per week, while Marseille will have two weekly frequencies, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats.

Q4. Why did Transavia France choose Jeddah as a destination?

A4. Jeddah is a major gateway to Saudi Arabia, with growing demand from leisure and business travelers, and its strategic location supports the airline’s expansion into the Middle East.

Q5. What role does Jeddah Airports Company play in this partnership?

A5. Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO) manages King Abdulaziz International Airport, ensuring infrastructure and services are ready to accommodate the new routes and enhance passenger experience.

Q6. How does this expansion support Saudi Vision 2030?

A6. It boosts tourism by increasing international arrivals, aligns with the National Tourism Strategy’s goal of 150 million visits by 2030, and strengthens economic diversification.

Q7. What economic benefits are expected from these new routes?

A7. The routes are projected to generate tens of millions of riyals annually, create jobs, and stimulate spending in tourism, hospitality, and related sectors.

Q8. Will the new routes facilitate pilgrimage travel?

A8. Yes, the increased connectivity from France will make it easier for Muslim pilgrims to travel to Jeddah, the main entry point for Makkah and Madinah.

Q9. How does this announcement reflect Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy?

A9. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s open-skies policy and the ACP’s success in attracting international carriers, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.

Q10. What other airlines have partnered with the ACP?

A10. The ACP has partnered with numerous airlines, including Saudia, flynas, and international carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways, to expand route networks.

Q11. What infrastructure upgrades are underway at Jeddah’s airport?

A11. King Abdulaziz International Airport is undergoing expansion to handle 114 million passengers annually by 2030, with new terminals and enhanced services.

Q12. How will the new routes impact tourism in Jeddah?

A12. They will bring more French and European tourists to explore Jeddah’s heritage sites, Red Sea resorts, and cultural attractions, boosting the local tourism economy.

Q13. What is the significance of Toulouse and Marseille as departure cities?

A13. Both cities have strong economic and cultural links to the Mediterranean and North Africa, and their inclusion expands access for travelers in southern France.

Q14. When will the new routes begin operations?

A14. The flights are scheduled to commence in October 2025, with tickets likely to go on sale in the preceding months.

Q15. How does this partnership enhance Saudi-French relations?

A15. It strengthens bilateral ties by facilitating people-to-people exchanges, business travel, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Q16. What aircraft will Transavia France use on these routes?

A16. Transavia France will deploy Boeing 737-800 aircraft, configured with 189 seats, on the Toulouse and Marseille routes to Jeddah.

Q17. Are there any plans to add more French cities in the future?

A17. While no specific plans have been announced, the ACP continues to explore opportunities to expand connectivity with France and other European markets.

Q18. How does the ACP measure the success of new routes?

A18. Success is measured by passenger numbers, load factors, economic impact, and the contribution to tourism and trade goals under Vision 2030.

Q19. What makes Jeddah an attractive destination for European travelers?

A19. Jeddah offers a mix of historical sites like Al-Balad, modern attractions, Red Sea beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene, appealing to diverse interests.

Q20. What is the long-term goal of Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity efforts?

A20. The long-term goal is to position Saudi Arabia as a top global destination and logistics hub, with 250 destinations served by 2030, driving economic growth and cultural exchange.