Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and is based in Jeddah. With its main hub at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and another significant hub at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudia has been a cornerstone of aviation in the region. However, by 2030, the airline plans to pull out of Riyadh as a major hub, focusing more on its Jeddah operations.
Saudia operates domestic and international scheduled flights to over 100 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The airline also provides domestic and international charter flights, particularly during the Ramadan and Hajj seasons. Saudia made history by joining the SkyTeam airline alliance on May 29, 2012, becoming the first carrier from the Persian Gulf region to join one of the three major airline alliances. Additionally, Saudia is a founding member of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization.
Paris Launches New Electronic Visa for Olympic Tourists
Exciting news for travelers! In anticipation of the upcoming Olympics, Paris has introduced a new electronic visa specifically designed for tourists. This streamlined process will make it easier than ever to attend the grand event. Here’s what you need to know:
Simplified Application Process:
The new e-visa system allows tourists to apply online, reducing the need for physical paperwork and long wait times.
Quick Approval:
With advanced processing capabilities, most e-visas will be approved within a few days, ensuring last-minute planners can still join the festivities.
Enhanced Security:
The electronic system incorporates advanced security measures to ensure a safe and secure entry for all visitors.
Wide Accessibility:
Available to citizens of many countries, this initiative aims to welcome a diverse and global audience to Paris.
Special Perks for Olympic Visitors:
E-visa holders will receive information on exclusive Olympic events, ticketing options, and more.
Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic
In 2023, passenger traffic in Saudi Arabia reached a new record of about 112 million, growing 26% year-on-year (YoY) and more than 8% compared to 2019. This surge confirms the recovery of the Kingdom’s aviation sector from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
According to Saudia’s Q1 2024 performance report, the airline transported over 8.3 million guests across domestic and international destinations. This positive trend was supported by an 11% increase in scheduled and additional flights, totaling 46.8 thousand, while flight hours climbed by 13% to 144.7 thousand.
Connecting to Paris for the Olympics
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport or simply Paris CDG, is the main international airport serving Paris, the capital of France. Located 23 km northeast of Paris, it serves as the principal hub for Air France and a destination for other legacy carriers from Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam. It is also an operating base for easyJet and Norse Atlantic Airways.
In 2022, Paris CDG handled 57,474,033 passengers and 34,657 aircraft movements, making it the world’s ninth busiest airport and Europe’s third busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers. It is the busiest airport within the European Union and the airport with the most airline connections, with over 105 airlines operating there.
As the Paris Olympics approach, Saudia is poised to play a critical role in transporting global travelers to this prestigious event. With multiple flights to Paris, travelers can easily reach the heart of the action at the Olympics, experiencing the best of global sportsmanship and culture.
Saudia’s commitment to connecting the world and enhancing passenger experiences continues to shine as it takes global travelers across the globe, including to the highly anticipated Paris Olympics.
Source: Travel And Tour World