New airline connecting Saudi Arabia with Africa to launch soon: Report

An investor will soon launch a new Saudi airline in Riyadh to connect Saudi Arabia and Africa, with the aim of promoting tourism and investment, Al-Eqtisadiah reported, citing informed sources.

Regulatory approvals have been obtained from both the local sides and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the report added.

Details on the launch and start-up dates, as well as the company's routes, are expected to be announced in the upcoming period.

The new airline was originally a carrier that had been operating in Saudi Arabia since 2016 but ceased operations in 2021 due to a number of economic challenges, according to Al-Eqtisadiah.

The new company will work to launch multiple air transport routes between a number of African countries and Saudi cities, with direct flights and stopover flights, targeting the transport of 385 million passengers between Saudi Arabia and Africa until 2030. This will contribute to supporting tourism seasons and events, as well as religious events such as Hajj and Umrah.

During the upcoming period, stages of establishing the company and obtaining other regulatory approvals will be completed, and the aviation fleet will be prepared to operate air routes on the African continent.

Additionally, the investor plans to form an alliance with other investors to support the company's strength and expansion, Al-Eqtisadiah said.

The new airline is still evaluating the commercial opportunity, the size of the investment, the stages of operation, and choosing the trade name, while the airline fleet will include five booking classes, the newspaper added.