AlUla, Feb 04, 2024, Gulf Air, the flagship carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its inaugural flight to AlUla International Airport. Commencing on Saturday, the airline is set to conduct direct flights from Bahrain to AlUla twice a week, spanning from February 3 to March 6, and then again from April 10 to April 27. These operations will be facilitated by the state-of-the-art Gulf Air A320neo aircraft.
The strategic move aligns with the objectives of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), which aims to expand air connectivity to various international and local destinations. Furthermore, the endeavor seeks to position AlUla as a global logistics hub in the northwest region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Rami Almoallim, Vice President of Destination Marketing and Management Office at RCU, expressed enthusiasm about the increased accessibility to AlUla. He emphasized the unique cultural and tourism experiences that the destination offers to its visitors. Almoallim noted that the inclusion of AlUla in Gulf Air's primary seasonal destinations for the current year underscores the historical site's allure for tourists. Additionally, he highlighted the contribution of direct international flights from neighboring aviation hubs in facilitating access to AlUla.
Significant enhancements have been made to AlUla International Airport over the past years to elevate its service standards. Achieving international airport status in March 2021, the airport now spans nearly 2.4 million square meters, with a flight deck capable of accommodating up to 15 aircraft simultaneously. These developments align with AlUla's overarching goal of receiving two million visitors annually by 2035, emphasizing a sustainable and practical tourism strategy.
In tandem with Gulf Air's initiative, Saudi airlines have expanded their flight operations to AlUla International Airport. This expansion includes connectivity with European destinations such as Paris, as well as additional international flights from key hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Cairo. These endeavors collectively contribute to positioning AlUla as a prominent global tourist destination with improved accessibility and infrastructure.
