Saudia is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia that was earlier known as Saudi Arabian Airlines. Usually, it sends regular flights to 105 destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Though this airline started operation in 1945, it strived for rapid improvement since 2000. Hence, Saudia was declared twice as the World’s Most Improved Airline, by Sky Trax, which is a recognized global organization for review and ranking of airlines and airports worldwide. This airline runs many international and domestic flights and even some chartered flights during the Hajj season and Ramadan festival. Availability of more flights for Saudi airlines booking However, flight operation was severely disrupted due to the COVID pandemic and lockdown worldwide during the last two years, mainly between London and Riyadh. Now, the pandemic situation has improved all over the world, due to massive vaccination and other careful steps taken by governments of different countries. Hence, air routes between international cities are opening again and many reputed airlines are keen to restore their normal flight services. Saudia has recently announced that it will launch an extra flight from December 15th, which will leave London Heathrow Airport at 10 am and reach King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 7 pm according to the local time zones of the two cities. Thus, travelers will get more options for Saudi Airlines booking from London to Riyadh or vice versa, from now onwards. This declaration was made by Sultan Otaify, the Manager of Saudia in the UK, in an event that was organized by the Umrah travel industry. He announced that Saudia intends to double its daily flights running between London and Riyadh while increasing the number of seats or the capacity of each flight as well. This step is taken to revive the international tourism industry from the negative effects of the pandemic. However, he mentioned that number of flights to Jeddah will be the same as before for the time being. So, more tourists are welcomed to visit Saudi Arabia from London and other European cities, by availing the flights of Saudia. Saudi airlines booking | Image Resource: pinimg.com Steps taken to boost the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia started a tourist visa in 2019, which has made this Arabian kingdom more easily accessible to foreigners, as per the Manager of Saudia. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken many positive steps for the welfare and comfort of Hajj pilgrims who flock every year to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The Holy Mosques of these places are now reopened for visitors, to boost up the tourism business in these cities. The increase in Saudi Airlines booking has shown the huge interest of pilgrims in availing of the facilities offered by the UAE government. The event of Umrah travel industry was sponsored by Saudia in Central London. It was hosted by the Council of British Hajjis. There were many other commercial sponsors of this event, namely Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Makarem Hotels, Discover Saudi, Tetrapylon DMC tour operator, Deira Tours, and Al Taif group. Some online travel agencies approved by the Hajj Ministry of Saudi Arabia also joined this event and sponsored it, like Saudi-based Hulool Umrah, Zamzam.com, ZOWAR, and UK-based travel agency Masterfare. Umrah travel agency has decided to explore many other parts of Saudi Arabia, by rousing the interest of Hajj pilgrims to visit those places as well. They want pilgrims also to experience the local Arab culture of the UAE. Everyone now intends to make up for the loss faced during the last 18 months due to this pandemic. During the event organized by Umrah, Rashid Mogradia, the CEO of the Council of British Hajjis, said that people want to share their Hajj experiences with others now so that more Muslims from the UK and other parts of the world. He also said that all Hajjis want Mecca to be fulfilled again with large crowds of people throughout the year, as tourism is the main source of income in this city. Saudi airlines booking | Image Resource: pinimg.com Different facilities offered by Saudia to Hajj pilgrims
Saudia maintains all safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among its passengers. It uses ultra-violet rays for sterilizing the interiors of each aircraft, after thorough cleaning of the interior space. The flight crew members and frontline staff of the airport are screened to ensure that they are healthy. Moreover, there are a series of guidelines that should be followed by passengers as precautions against this disease. People can choose their seats at the time of Saudi Airlines booking and this seat reservation facility can be availed from the mobile app or website of Saudia. Passengers can also ask for additional seats in the Economy Class. Female passengers can reserve pre-paid seats by paying extra fees online. Passengers can upgrade their seats from Economy Class to the Business Class or a more preferable seat. They just need to enter their flight reservation number and their last name on the given online form. They may need to pay extra money for the upgraded seat, as seats of Business Class are costlier. If the request for an upgrade is approved, he/she will be notified through a confirmation email. Saudia issues vouchers allowing passengers to carry extra baggage for a discount of up to 50%, by paying the extra money via their credit cards. These vouchers remain valid for one year from the date when issued by the airline. However, if the passenger misses the flight, he/she will lose the full value of this voucher for extra baggage. Saudia airline and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia now jointly issue a transit visa to travelers who stop at any city of Saudi Arabia before taking connecting flights to their actual destinations. This visa is valid only for 48 hours or 96 hours and passengers can enjoy sightseeing, local cuisines, and entertainment in nearby areas during this time. Thus, Hajj pilgrims will enjoy easier Saudi Airlines flight booking due to this additional daily flight started by Saudia from London to Riyadh.
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