In a strategic move that underscores the growing aviation links between China and the Middle East, Air China is set to join its national counterparts, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, in serving the Saudi Arabian market. Scheduled to commence on May 6, Air China’s inaugural route will connect Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) with Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH), flying three times a week with the Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
This development marks Air China as the third Chinese carrier to establish regular flight services to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting a significant expansion in the aviation ties between the two countries. Prior to Air China’s announcement, China Southern Airlines announced its plans to start operations to Riyadh on April 16 from Beijing Daxing with A330s, including additional routes from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to follow in the summer. China Eastern Airlines is also poised to enter the Saudi market on April 27, linking Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Riyadh, thereby enriching the connection options available to travelers.
The reintroduction of these routes, previously offered only as limited-time services for religious pilgrimages, is part of a broader initiative under the Saudi Air Connectivity Program. This program aims to improve air links to unserved and underserved destinations, with a particular focus on elevating China into one of the top three source markets for Saudi Arabian tourism by 2030.
According to OAG Schedules Analyser, Saudia currently dominates the direct air travel market between Saudi Arabia and China, offering routes from Jeddah and Riyadh to Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing. In 2019, passenger traffic between the two countries saw a significant surge, reaching approximately 300,000 two-way travelers and indicating a robust demand that both nations are keen to cater to.
As part of their global network expansion, both China Eastern and China Southern Airlines are not limiting their growth to the Middle East. China Eastern has announced a new route to Vienna starting June 22, enhancing its European footprint. Similarly, China Southern is set to add Budapest to its network from June 27, further illustrating the Chinese aviation sector’s ambitious international expansion plans.
These developments not only highlight the strategic importance of the Saudi Arabian market to Chinese airlines but also signify the strengthening bilateral ties and mutual interest in fostering tourism and business exchanges between China and Saudi Arabia.
