London-based airline Virgin Atlantic has officially launched its first-ever service to Saudi Arabia, with Flight VS242 from London Heathrow touching down at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The milestone flight, operated by an Airbus A330neo, had none other than Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, on board to mark the occasion.
The new daily service to Riyadh underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence on the global tourism map, aligned with the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and position itself as a world-class tourism destination. From the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter to the green highlands of Aseer and the crystal-clear waters of the Saudi Red Sea, the kingdom offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders.
Saudi Arabia’s dynamic events calendar — featuring international spectacles like the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the MDLBEAST music festival — continues to draw millions of visitors annually.
Looking ahead, the FIFA World Cup 2034 is expected to further elevate the kingdom’s global profile, cementing Riyadh’s status as a center for sport, culture, and entertainment.
Virgin Atlantic’s arrival signals the Virgin Group’s strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia, opening new avenues for tourism, innovation, and international collaboration. With a growing reputation as a safe, welcoming, and exciting destination, Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly attractive to European travelers seeking both adventure and authenticity.
His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister for Tourism, said: “Virgin Atlantic’s arrival into Saudi signifies the next chapter in the country’s emergence as a premier global destination. It opens the doors for more tourists from the UK and beyond to discover our diverse landscapes, rich heritage and unique experience.”
“Saudi is inspiring tourists from across the globe. In 2024 alone, Saudi welcomed 128 million air passengers – marking a growth rate of 15% compared to 2023 – demonstrating our increasing appeal as a leading destination and travel hub,” he added.
Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic and founder of Virgin Group, commented: “Virgin Atlantic has arrived in Riyadh, and I’m pleased to mark the launch of this route at such a time of transformation and growth in Saudi Arabia. I know our new Saudi customers are going to love the Virgin Atlantic experience, and I can’t wait for our wonderful teams to welcome them onboard very soon.”
Virgin Atlantic’s new daily service to Riyadh is set to cater to a predominantly Saudi customer base, offering convenient access to the UK as well as smooth onward connections to 12 major destinations across North America.
Through its partnership with Delta Air Lines, passengers can connect via London Heathrow to cities including Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, Boston, and Detroit.
The route is operated by the airline’s cutting-edge Airbus A330neo, the newest and most efficient aircraft in the Virgin Atlantic fleet, known for its enhanced passenger comfort and reduced environmental impact.
In addition to passenger services, the new Riyadh route includes a 30-ton cargo capacity on each flight, supporting businesses involved in the export and import of goods such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other specialized products.
The service is expected to strengthen trade ties between Saudi Arabia and key markets in the UK and the US, reinforcing Riyadh’s role as a growing hub for international commerce.
This launch marks another key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s expanding global connectivity and aligns with the broader ambitions of Vision 2030 to position the kingdom as a dynamic center for business and tourism.
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