JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz International Airport on Friday welcomed its first regular direct flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, carrying 279 passengers.
The direct flight arrival ceremony was attended by Turkmen Ambassador Oras Mohammed Charyyev, Suleiman Al-Bassam, Advisor to the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports, alongside airport security and operational leaders.
According to Eng. Mazen Johar, direct flights from Turkmenistan align with Jeddah Airport’s strategy to broaden the airport’s reach. This move is part of the National Strategy for Aviation Sectors, aiming to connect King Abdulaziz International Airport to 150 international destinations and accommodate 114 million passengers by 2030.
Johar highlighted the significance of expanding destinations to increase air traffic revenue, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographical position. He also praised the airport’s high-quality services, which meet international standards, solidifying its reputation as a top global airport for leisure and transit flights.
The new Ashgabat route, operating three times a week, aims to strengthen economic ties, facilitate trade, and provide smoother travel experiences for passengers, including Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and tourists. This initiative is expected to foster stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan.
In 2023, King Abdulaziz International Airport experienced a record-breaking year, serving over 42.7 million passengers, marking a significant 36% increase from the previous year’s 31.4 million passengers.
