Saudia Airlines, the national carrier for Saudi Arabia, has announced a return to Manchester airport with a direct route between the North West city and Jeddah.
The airline, which last operated from Manchester in 2007, will fly three times a week, starting in April 2014. It expects the route to attract a range of business and leisure passengers.
Manchester Airports Group, chief commercial officer, Ken O’Toole, said the introduction of the new route will “further strengthen” the Middle East connections from Manchester, and see another direct long haul service added to the network of connections.
“The introduction of this route is testament to the strength of Manchester airport’s catchment and we look forward to this direct service supporting the strong commercial, ethnic and educational relationships that exist between Saudi Arabia and the North West,” said O’Toole.
Manchester airport claims the city’s large muslim population will benefit from the service when travelling to perform religious pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. It also states the route will be popular among the city’s many Saudi students.
The flights will depart from Manchester airport terminal two on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
saudiairlines.com