ITA Airways, the Italian national carrier, has launched its first nonstop flight between Rome Fiumicino and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Leonardo da Vinci Airport celebrated the new intercontinental route, attended by key dignitaries from Italy and Saudi Arabia.
Key Points:
- Inaugural Flight: The new route operates five times weekly, departing Riyadh daily except Wednesdays and Sundays at 01:45 and arriving in Rome at 06:35. The return flight departs Rome daily except Tuesdays and Saturdays at 15:25, arriving in Riyadh at 21:25.
- Aircraft: The route is served by the advanced Airbus A321neo, featuring Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy, with state-of-the-art amenities and significant reductions in fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and noise.
- Strategic Importance: This new connection aims to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Italy and Saudi Arabia. ITA Airways plans further expansion with nonstop flights to Kuwait City and Jeddah in July and August, respectively.
- Growing Market: Rome Fiumicino Airport has seen a surge in traffic to Saudi Arabia, quadrupling volumes since 2019. This trend continued in early 2024, with a 33% increase compared to the previous year.
Statements from Executives:
- Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer ITA Airways: “This new Riyadh-Rome connection marks a significant milestone for our company and will intensify trade flows between the Arabian Peninsula and Italy.”
- Federico Scriboni, Head of Aviation Business Development at Aeroporti di Roma: “The launch of ITA Airways’ new flight to Riyadh demonstrates the growing relevance of a market with excellent prospects for further development in both leisure and business segments.”
- Hazim Al-Hazmi, President of Europe & Americas at The Saudi Tourism Authority: “The new routes will significantly enhance accessibility and are expected to drive greater investments, strengthening cultural and economic ties between Italy and Saudi Arabia.“
- Ayman AboAbah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company: “This new route is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class service and enhancing the travel experience for our passengers.“
Additional Routes: ITA Airways will soon add new flights to Kuwait City (starting July 1) and Jeddah (starting August 1), further expanding its reach to the Arabian Peninsula.
Summer Destinations: The airline will operate flights to 57 destinations in the summer season, including 16 domestic, 26 international, and 15 intercontinental routes, along with 12 additional seasonal Mediterranean destinations.
