Saudia Airline’s first direct commercial flight from Jeddah to Erbil lands Monday

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Saudia Airline on Monday started operating its direct commercial flights from Jeddah to the Kurdistan Region’s capital of Erbil, inaugurating its second destination in Iraq after Baghdad.

The plane landed in Erbil International Airport (EIA) at 09:10 in the morning and will continue its regular flights every week.

Aboard the flight was a Saudi delegation headed by the Director of Saudia Airline, Salih bin Nasser al-Jasser.

EIA Director Talar Fayeq told reporters the direct flights would strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region.

Fayeq also mentioned the flights would facilitate travel by Muslim pilgrims flying from the Kurdistan Region to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.

“Saudia Airline will operate three weekly flights to Erbil from Jeddah, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays,” the airline confirmed in a statement.

The first flight, SV0625, departed King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah at 6:00 am, arriving in Erbil at 09:10 am. The return SV0624 flight left the Erbil International Airport at 10:00 am, arriving in Jeddah at 01:10 pm, the statement continued.

The airline also mentioned direct flights between Jeddah and Erbil are intended to serve pilgrims, tourists, and businessmen.

It will also provide investment opportunities and tourism programs in both countries, according to the airline.

Saudi Arabia opened its consulate general in Erbil in Feb. 2016.

Saudia Airline resumed flights to Baghdad in October last year after a 27-year suspension of the route.

Editing by Nadia Riva