Saudia has revised its flight schedule for the Riyadh to London route for the Northern Summer 2025 season. Initially, the airline planned to add a third daily flight to London Gatwick starting April 1, 2025. However, this decision has been reversed. Instead, Saudia will continue its three daily flights to London Heathrow.
The airline’s decision to maintain operations exclusively at Heathrow seems to align with strategic considerations aimed at enhancing connectivity. Saudia likely sees Heathrow as the key hub for premium passengers, offering better interline and codeshare agreements. Additionally, Heathrow’s location serves as a more convenient entry point for business travelers, given its proximity to London’s financial district. For Saudia, focusing on Heathrow may also optimize slot allocation, ensuring that the airline secures a valuable position at one of the world’s busiest airports.
Although this shift may improve the overall travel experience for premium passengers, it could limit options for those seeking more affordable fares. Gatwick typically offered a more budget-friendly alternative, and its absence could reduce choices for leisure and budget-conscious travelers. This shift could also impact the demand for budget-friendly travel between Riyadh and London, as travelers may turn to Gulf carriers offering one-stop services with competitive pricing.
Saudia’s focus on premium markets aligns with the airline’s broader expansion strategy, which is in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The decision highlights Saudia’s efforts to cater to high-yield travelers, ensuring better connectivity and services. However, while Heathrow remains the priority, the airline may still consider revisiting Gatwick if demand increases or new opportunities arise in the future.
As the Northern Summer 2025 season approaches, passengers will experience enhanced connectivity and premium services at Heathrow but fewer low-cost options for travel between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
Related stories:
Catch up on the top stories and travel deals by subscribing to our newsletter!
Leave a Reply