Budget airline to launch UK-Saudi flights

Wizz Air promises low fares with new route.

Wizz Air has announced plans to operate the first budget airline flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia, offering passengers “unbeatable fares.” The flights will connect London Gatwick Airport with Jeddah, starting on 31 March next year.

The new service could prove to be a gamechanger to Muslims who typically have to cough up large sums to visit Mecca for pilgrimage.

The airline has announced that ticket prices for the Gatwick to Jeddah route will start from £134.99. The flights will be Wizz Air’s longest route from the UK, with each journey lasting around seven hours. The service will operate overnight on the outbound route, and although the seats will not recline, the airline is confident passengers will find the fares attractive despite the lack of added comfort.

British Airways is also planning to start flights between London Heathrow and Jeddah in November. When asked about the price comparison between Wizz and BA, Jozsef Varadi, chief executive of Wizz Air, noted that while each airline sets its own prices, Wizz Air’s operating costs are roughly a third of BA’s. This allows it to offer significantly lower fares, appealing to travellers seeking affordable long-haul flights.

Varadi acknowledged that budget airlines require passengers to sacrifice some comfort in exchange for lower costs. He recalled that many years ago, he was unsure if passengers would tolerate flights lasting more than three hours on a budget airline, but now, he believes passengers prioritise economic savings over comfort.

Wizz Air also emphasised the environmental benefits of its new aircraft, stating that the Airbus A321XLR will produce 30% fewer carbon emissions compared to other planes. This aligns with the airline’s broader commitment to offering low-cost travel with reduced environmental impact.