Italian airline ITA Airways has launched a new non-stop flight between Italy and the Kingdom, helping Italians in ticking UNESCO World Heritage Al-Balad (Jeddah Historic District) off the bucket list while also aiding Saudis in fulfilling their pizza and pasta cravings.
ITA Airways launched the three times weekly Rome-Jeddah service this week, deploying the A321neo with 165 seats (12 business, 12 premium economy and 141 economy) on the route. Jeddah is the carrier’s second destination in Saudi Arabia, following the non-stop Rome-Riyadh route which launched in June this year.
Flight AZ 849 will depart King Abdulaziz International Airport Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 3.30am (local time) to arrive in Rome Fiumicino Airport the following morning at 7.00am (local time). The return AZ 848 will depart Rome at 3.05pm (local time) to arrive in Jeddah at 9.10pm (local time) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Jeddah Airports Chief Executive Officer Mazin Johar welcomed ITA Airways’ new route, saying its will further enhance connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Europe.
“Travellers from ITA Airways’ network in Italy, Europe, and the Americas will enjoy a more seamless journey to explore the untapped potential of Jeddah,” said Mr Johar. “We look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with a great partner, ITA Airways.”
The launch of the new route was celebrated with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in Jeddah attended by representatives from Jeddah Airports, ITA Airways and Italy’s Consul General.
ITA Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer Emiliana Limosani said the new route will strengthen the carrier’s presence in “a rapidly growing market”.
“This new flight will expand the medium-haul network and enhance commercial and cultural exchanges between the Arabian Peninsula and Italy, while also providing connections with our array of destinations accessible via our Rome Fiumicino hub,” she said.
Once the summer peak is over, ITA Airways will continue expanding its flight network in the Middle East with a new non-stop service to Dubai. The new route is expected to take off on 27 October 2024.
