Saudia Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, launched its inaugural direct flight from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Bali on Monday. The Boeing B787 Dreamliner (SV856) took off at 01:10 AM, offering 24 business-class and 274 economy-class seats.

Faisal Alallah, Country Manager of Saudia Airlines Indonesia, stated that this new route will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Bali is now the airline’s third regular destination in Indonesia, following Jakarta and Medan.

Aligning with Saudia Airlines' Strategic Vision

According to Alallah, the addition of the Jeddah-Bali route aligns with Saudia Airlines' strategic plan to enhance its competitive edge and expand its global network. “This move underscores our commitment to growing our international presence,” he said in a press release in Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday.

Bali’s Tourism Sector to Benefit from Direct Flights

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster welcomed the new route, anticipating a significant rise in Saudi Arabian tourist arrivals. He noted that approximately 14,000 Saudi visitors traveled to Bali last year, with around 2,000 arriving between January and February 2025.

“With direct flights, the number of visitors will certainly increase,” Koster remarked. The route is expected to strengthen Bali’s tourism sector and boost connectivity with the Middle East market.

Saudia Airlines’ Expansion Plans

Currently, Saudia Airlines operates a fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, serving over 100 destinations across four continents. The airline is planning further expansion, with 118 additional aircraft set to increase seat capacity and introduce new international routes.

PHOTO: ANTARA

This article was created with AI assistance.