Qatar Airways has resumed operations in Abha, showcasing its commitment to the Saudi market with over 140 weekly flights to 11 cities in the Kingdom. The airline, voted as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, recently landed its first resumption flight at Abha International Airport. With two weekly flights to Abha, Qatar Airways offers seamless connectivity to its global network of over 170 destinations.
The resumption of flights to Abha brings the total number of destinations served by Qatar Airways in Saudi Arabia to 11, including cities like AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh. The airline connects more than 36,000 passengers weekly between Saudi Arabia and Doha, highlighting its commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting tourism, and strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Qatar Airways’ partnership with the Air Connectivity Program is a significant step in enhancing the Kingdom’s air connectivity, according to Air Connectivity Program CEO, Majid Khan. This collaboration not only connects the two countries but also opens doors for global visitors to explore the unique experiences that Saudi Arabia offers. The commencement of direct flights between Doha and Abha will enhance connectivity and promote tourism in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The new route between Doha and Abha will not only facilitate travel for tourists and business visitors but also contribute to the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy and National Aviation Strategy. By improving accessibility to the Aseer region, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, these flights will boost local economies, create employment opportunities, and showcase the Kingdom’s diverse offerings to a global audience. This initiative underscores a commitment to expanding air networks, fostering international cooperation, and achieving ambitious goals for the growth of the tourism and aviation sectors in Saudi Arabia.
The resumption of flights between Doha and Aseer by Qatar Airways marks a pivotal milestone in the vision to position Aseer as an all-year-round tourist destination in the GCC. This initiative contributes significantly to the target of welcoming 9.1 million annual visitors in Aseer by 2030, transforming the region into a thriving destination for visitors from across the world. By connecting Abha to its global network, Qatar Airways offers business and leisure passengers from Aseer unparalleled travel experiences, award-winning services, and seamless connection to over 170 destinations worldwide through Hamad International Airport.
Qatar Airways began its services to Saudi Arabia with its inaugural flight to Jeddah in 1997 and continues to invest in the Saudi market to provide exceptional travel experiences for passengers. Flight tickets to Abha are available for booking through the Qatar Airways website, mobile application, and travel agencies. With flights departing every Thursday and Saturday, passengers can enjoy convenient travel between Doha and Abha, experiencing the airline’s renowned services and connectivity to destinations across the globe.