Saudia to operate direct flights from Paris to AlUla

The weekly flights will operate from 30 January to 27 March 2022

Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, has announced that it will launch the first direct European flight to AlUla.

Allowing French visitors to more easily experience Saudi’s nature and cultural heritage, the direct flight will depart from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport and land at AlUla airport five hours later, every Sunday from 30 January to 27 March.

The seasonal route will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and will be inaugurated on 27 January 2022

Arguably the biggest archaeological site in the world, AlUla is home to the Unesco World heritage site of Hegra, the second city of the great Nabataean Kingdom of Petra in Jordan, several archaeological sites dating back to the 1st millennium BC and a 25km-long oasis that  flows through desert mountains and rock formations.

AlUla chief destination management and marketing officer Phillip Jones said: “This is indeed an historic moment for AlUla and an important step forward in our ambitions to share our piece of history and our stunning destination with the world. We know that the French are intrepid travellers, always keen to be the first to experience the new.

“We are excited to work with Saudia to welcome the first direct European flight to AlUla and hope that many Europeans will take the opportunity to visit our heritage sites and perhaps take in some of our winter events as the flights will run till 27 March.”

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Saudia Airlines vice president Passenger Sales Hazem Sonbol added: “As the Kingdom’s flag carrier, we are delighted to welcome this inaugural direct flight from the heart of Europe into the ancient city of AlUla. This is our first international direct flight to AlUla and we believe one of many, as more of our guests around the world are showing an eagerness to explore our country’s history and culture.”

AFAlUla executive president Gérard Mestrallet said: “Since the intergovernmental agreement signed by Saudi Arabia and France in April 2018 on AlUla sustainable development, the collaboration between the Saudi and French economic and cultural ecosystems, led by the Royal Commission for AlUla and AFAlUla, has proven to be increasingly intense and fruitful.

“The numerous partnerships sealed between the RCU and French companies as well as the achievements on the ground reveal the success of this cooperation. Following the access, since September 2019, to tourist visas for Saudi Arabia, the opening of a direct air route from Paris will bolster the attractiveness of this unique cultural destination.”

For more information, visit www.saudia.com