DOHA- NEOM, the futuristic city taking shape in the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, is advancing its regional airline connectivity with the introduction of a new flight service by Qatar Airways (QR).
Qatar Airways has initiated a new route to the NEOM Bay Airport (NUM). The airline, based in Doha, Qatar, commenced its first of two weekly flights connecting its main hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH) on December 9.
Qatar Airways NEOM Bay
For these 1,650-mile flights, Qatar Airways is utilizing an Airbus A320-214. The schedule for Qatar Airways flight 1205 involves departures from NEOM Bay to Doha at 14:00 on Saturdays and 13:40 on Thursdays.
The return leg, Qatar Airways flight 1204, departs from Hamad International Airport to NEOM Bay at 06:55 on Saturdays and 06:35 on Thursdays.
The expansion of operations at NEOM Bay aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan unveiled in 2016. A key objective of this vision was to enhance economic, social, and cultural ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other nations in the region and globally.
Reducing reliance on the oil industry was a significant aspect of the initiative. Saudi Vision 2030 also aimed to position Saudi Arabia as a central hub within the Arab and Islamic worlds.
To achieve this, the kingdom is adopting a model similar to that implemented in Doha and Dubai, striving to become a prominent transportation hub in the region.
Increase in Demand
The King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, featuring six runways, plays a crucial role in this initiative, along with the futuristic NEOM City and the NEOM Bay airport.
As per Arab News, the kingdom has seen success in its tourism strategy, ranking second globally in tourist arrivals during the first seven months of the current year. Notably, there was a 58% increase in tourism compared to the same period in 2019 before the pandemic.
Qatar Airways has joined the ranks of airlines providing passenger service to NEOM Bay, becoming the fourth airline to do so.
Other carriers currently serving the airport include Flyadeal, flydubai, and Saudia, with Saudia offering the most diverse range of destinations, including Dammam, Dubai, Jeddah, London Heathrow, and Riyadh.
Targeting Business and Leisure Travelers
Qatar Airways has expanded its services to NEOM Bay, marking its tenth destination in Saudi Arabia. The airline already serves AlUla, Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu with over 125 daily flights.
In October, the airline resumed flights to Yanbu, initiated new services to AlUla and Tabuk, and resumed three weekly flights to Taif in January of the current year.
The new service to Saudi Arabia by Qatar Airways is strategically focused on catering to both leisure and business travel within the region. For leisure travelers, the airline aims to connect passengers to various cultural and natural attractions across the country.
Meanwhile, for business travelers, the emphasis is on fortifying the commercial and economic ties between these influential Middle Eastern nations.
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