Riyadh, December 06, 2023, In a groundbreaking development, the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has agreed with LOT Polish Airlines to establish direct air travel connections between Poland and Saudi Arabia. This collaboration is set to unveil a direct flight route linking Warsaw and Riyadh, with the commencement of ticket sales scheduled for June 2024.
The momentous announcement occurred at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2023) event in Riyadh, hosted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), as detailed in a press release from ACP.
Marking ACP's twelfth air connection from Europe to Saudi Arabia, the newly established route is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering inbound visitation from Poland and enhancing connectivity with Eastern Europe through Warsaw. The press release emphasized that as the demand for air travel from the EU to Saudi Arabia continues to surge, the route will catalyze growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
This collaboration with LOT Polish Airlines represents ACP's third international partnership with an air carrier, following successful ventures with Hainan Airlines and Wizz Air. These strategic alliances align seamlessly with the program's overarching objective of expanding air routes and increasing capacity to meet the escalating demand for inbound tourism in Saudi Arabia.
With inbound passenger numbers from Poland to the Kingdom witnessing a remarkable 43% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year, the Warsaw-Riyadh route is slated to operate three weekly flights, totaling 156 roundtrip flights annually. The route will be serviced by LOT's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, accommodating a substantial 58,968 seats annually.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, ACP CEO Ali Rajab stated, "The partnership between ACP and LOT Polish Airlines signifies a significant stride in our efforts to enhance air connectivity in the Kingdom. Through this collaboration, we are not only linking two cities but also creating a gateway for Polish travelers to explore the unique experiences Saudi Arabia has to offer."
He added, "The new Warsaw-Riyadh route aligns perfectly with ACP's goals of expanding air networks with the European market and providing seamless travel experiences for passengers. We look forward to working with LOT Polish Airlines and welcoming Polish visitors to embark on their own journeys of discovery."
LOT Polish Airlines CEO echoed the sentiment, expressing joy at the prospect of direct air connections between Saudi Arabia and Poland. He highlighted Riyadh as an intriguing destination for those seeking to discover new and unexpected places, with a flight time of less than 7 hours on board the Dreamliner PLL LOT.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is actively scaling up its air route capacity, aspiring to increase accessibility and become a leading aviation hub in the Middle East. The Ministry of Tourism's expansion of e-visa eligibility to visitors from six new countries brings the total to 63, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering tourism and international collaboration.
