Qatar Airways is pleased to add to its regional connectivity increase operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the recommencement of services to Abha – 2 weekly flights to Abha International Airport starting from 2nd January 2025. Further, the national carrier of the State of Qatar is also to enhance the frequency on NEOM from two to four flights in a week in the winter season.
This schedule and network enhancement will offer passengers more travel options for connecting to the over 170+ destinations with seamless connectivity via DOHA’s Hamad International Airport, awarded as the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax 2024.
The stunning landscapes and the mystical cultural residents of Abha makes it the eleventh gateway for Qatar Airways in KSA. This extension would enhance the company services that are operating at the cities of AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, Yanbu, and others. Currently, Qatar Airways operates more than 140 flights to the Kingdom weekly, and this confirms the company’s desire to develop the connectivity of the region. Currently, the flight operations between KLM & Qatar Airways are two flight a week that will be upgraded to four flight operations per week from the start of the winter season.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are proud to resume flights to Abha and increase frequencies to NEOM, further strengthening our presence in Saudi Arabia. This resumption is a testament to our unwavering commitment to connecting our passengers to the Kingdom’s highly coveted destinations. We look forward to welcoming both business and leisure travellers to experience the unparalleled service and connectivity that Qatar Airways offers through our Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.”
Saudi Air Connectivity Program CEO, Mr. Majid Khan, said: “We are thrilled that the World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax, will resume direct scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia’s beautiful Aseer region and the city of Abha, as well as increase frequencies to NEOM, a futuristic city unlike any other in the Red Sea coast of northwest. Through Qatar Airways’ large network, tourists from 170 destinations globally will fly to Abha and NEOM from the airline’s Doha hub. The resumption of this route supports our tourism strategy to bring Saudi Arabia’s untouched tourism potential closer to the world.”
Cluster 2 Airports Company CEO, Engr. Ali Masrahi said: “Cluster 2 Airports Company, managing 22 airports including NEOM and Abha, is proud to partner with Qatar Airways, ranked as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax. The launch of direct flights to Aseer and Abha, as well as NEOM, aligns with our goals under the National Aviation Strategy and the Air Connectivity Program. This move strengthens our global network and highlights our dedication to elevating our airports’ status. With 19 accreditations from Airports Council International, we are committed to delivering top-tier aviation services.”
Engr. Hashim Al-Dabbagh, Acting CEO of the Aseer Development Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the resumption of the Abha International Airport-Qatar Airways route, highlighting its potential to boost connectivity and tourism. Passengers from Abha can now easily access major destinations like Dubai, Manila, and Sharjah, and enjoy top-tier facilities at Hamad International Airport, recently named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax. Qatar Airways is expanding its network with new flights to Abha, NEOM, and more, available for booking via their website and app.