Etihad ramps up Saudi flights for pilgrims

Abu Dhabi flag carrier Etihad Airways on Tuesday said it would increase its flights to Saudi Arabia in a bid to capitalise on the kingdom’s growing religious tourism market.

The carrier will increase its Jeddah service from seven flights a week to 12, effective from February 1, the company said in a statement.

Etihad CEO James Hogan said the airline expected solid demand from business travellers.

“Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone market for Etihad and Jeddah has always been an important strategic destination for the airline. Our new flights will further cater for the Saudi Arabian population living in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, as well as the growing numbers of business and religious travellers looking to fly to the city,” he said.

“The demand for the Umra flights has always been very strong and we expect this to continue grow in future.”

Etihad Airways launched operations to Jeddah in May 2006, with three frequencies per week.

The airline also flies eight times a week to the Saudi capital Riyadh, and 13 times a week to Dammam.