Virgin Atlantic seeks to expand connectivity with Saudi Arabia: CEO

Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is currently targeting connections with Riyadh, and later with other cities, through the national carrier Saudia, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss told Argaam.

Weiss said initially Virgin Atlantic’s focus is to launch flights between Riyadh and London, on March 30, 2025, and make the route successful.

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Later, the company will explore adding Manchester and other destinations in Saudi Arabia. It will also expand its partnership with Saudia and Riyadh Air.

The CEO stated that the Saudi market is developing significantly, as the number of citizens has increased over the past two decades.

He assured the possibility of traveling from Riyadh to London and connecting with 12 locations in the US smoothly.

Virgin Atlantic entered Saudi Arabia through partnerships with Saudia and Riyadh Air, as the loyalty programs will be applied for both Virgin Atlantic and Saudia and in the future Riyadh Airlines.

He explained that the Air Connectivity Program (ACP) facilitated the entry of airlines into the Saudi market, including Virgin Atlantic, noting the importance of connectivity by bringing goods and passengers to and from Saudi Arabia.

According to data compiled by Argaam, Virgin Atlantic announced daily flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport, with its first flights taking off on March 30, 2025.

The flights are not limited to passengers, as the company will double the cargo capacity on board its new aircraft by 30 tons per flight, benefiting companies exporting and importing goods.