The Air Connectivity Program (ACP), in partnership with the Al Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA), has announced the expansion of Transavia France's travel services to Saudi Arabia. Beginning in October, new routes will be launched from Paris-Orly, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse to Madinah.
This expansion complements the successful launch last year of routes connecting Paris-Orly and Lyon with Jeddah, enhancing air connectivity and reflecting the increasing growth in travel demand between the two countries. It also underscores the Kingdom's position as a major destination and supports the tourism goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 by increasing the number of tourists arriving in the Kingdom.
CEO of the Air Connectivity Program Majid Khan described the development of air connectivity between France and Saudi Arabia as a fundamental pillar of the National Tourism Strategy. He highlighted that this expansion will contribute to capitalizing on the significant opportunities in the Umrah market from France, while supporting the Kingdom’s tourism objectives.
CEO of Tibah Airports Operation Company
Sofiene Abdessalem stated that the selection of Madinah among Transavia France's new destinations confirms the city’s religious and cultural status, while underlining the efforts made to enhance its presence on the international air connectivity map. This expansion supports direct access from Europe and contributes to providing an integrated travel experience for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Abdessalem emphasized the commitment to supporting initiatives related to the Saudi Aviation Strategy by strengthening the network of international destinations and integrating efforts with partners in the public and private sectors, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. He praised the role of the Air Connectivity Program in supporting these strategic partnerships and enabling international connectivity, which enhances tourism growth and facilitates access to the Kingdom's destinations.
Chief Commercial Officer of Transavia France Nicolas Henin lauded the successful operation of the Lyon – Jeddah and Paris-Orly – Jeddah routes, expressing pleasure to continue expanding the airline’s presence in the Kingdom. Henin said Transavia France is excited to start flights to Madinah and strengthen the airline’s ongoing partnership with Saudi airports.
The Air Connectivity Program aims to enhance tourism growth in the Kingdom by developing existing air routes and creating new destinations, thereby contributing to connecting the Kingdom with the world. As the executive enabler of the National Tourism Strategy and the Saudi Aviation Strategy, the program works to promote cooperation and build partnerships between stakeholders in the public and private sectors within the tourism and aviation ecosystems, further consolidating the Kingdom's position as a leading global tourist destination in the field of air connectivity.