Saudia
Saudia is Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, operating scheduled passenger and cargo services from its principal hub in Jeddah.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Saudia is the national airline and flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Jeddah, it operates primarily from King Abdulaziz International Airport, with additional operating bases and hubs associated with Medina, Dammam and Riyadh. The airline serves domestic Saudi routes and an extensive international network linking the kingdom with the Middle East, North and East Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. It also operates seasonal and charter flying connected with the Hajj and Ramadan travel periods. The carrier originated in the development of Saudi civil aviation after the Second World War. In 1945, the United States presented King Abdulaziz with a Douglas DC-3, helping establish the foundations for a national air transport system. Saudi Arabian Airlines was formed that year as a government agency under the Ministry of Defense, with Trans World Airlines providing management assistance. Scheduled operations began in March 1947 on a route linking Jeddah, Riyadh, Hofuf and Dhahran. International services followed, initially connecting Jeddah with Cairo and subsequently Beirut, Karachi and Damascus. The airline’s early role included transporting pilgrims, an activity that remains central to its network and seasonal capacity planning. During the 1950s and 1960s, Saudia developed its technical and organizational capabilities. It established a pilot-training institute in Jeddah in 1959 and entered the jet age with Boeing 720 aircraft in 1962. In 1963, it became a formally registered independent company. The airline expanded its long-haul and regional network, acquired aircraft from Douglas and Boeing, and joined the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization in 1965. The brand name Saudia was adopted in 1972. The following decades brought substantial fleet and network growth, including Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Lockheed L-1011, Airbus A300 and later Boeing 777, MD-90 and MD-11 aircraft. Saudia opened routes to major cities across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, developed cargo operations and created specialized services for royal and government travel. It also expanded associated businesses such as catering, ground handling, maintenance, cargo and aviation training. From the 2000s onward, the airline underwent structural reform in preparation for partial commercialization and privatization of non-core activities. Strategic business units were developed for catering, ground services, technical services, air cargo and training. In 2012, the carrier returned to the Saudia name as part of a major corporate identity program and joined SkyTeam, becoming the alliance’s first Middle Eastern member. The group also launched Flyadeal in 2017 as a low-cost subsidiary focused on domestic and regional travel. Saudia’s recent strategy has emphasized fleet renewal, digital services, international connectivity and alignment with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic and tourism objectives. The airline ordered 39 Boeing 787 aircraft in 2023, with options for additional aircraft, and has announced ambitions to grow its fleet and destination network substantially by 2030. In 2023, it introduced a refreshed identity inspired by its 1970s colors and logo, together with an artificial-intelligence travel assistant branded SAUDIA. The airline has also pursued high-visibility partnerships in Formula E, Formula One and professional football. Its onboard proposition reflects Saudi cultural and religious practices: alcoholic beverages and pork are not served, and selected aircraft provide prayer areas and related facilities.
History
Saudia emerged from Saudi Arabia’s postwar effort to establish civil aviation. In 1945, a Douglas DC-3 presented by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt to King Abdulaziz became an important symbol and practical asset in the creation of a national airline. Saudi Arabian Airlines was established in September 1945 as a government agency controlled by the Ministry of Defense. Trans World Airlines was initially engaged to provide management support. The carrier began scheduled flying in March 1947 with DC-3 aircraft on the Jeddah–Riyadh–Hofuf–Dhahran route. Its first international service linked Jeddah and Cairo, followed by routes to Beirut, Karachi and Damascus. Pilgrimage traffic quickly became an important part of the airline’s role, including special operations for Hajj travelers. Bristol 170 aircraft added flexibility for passenger and cargo work, while the opening of the Pilot Training Institute at Jeddah Airport in 1959 supported the development of Saudi aviation personnel. Saudia entered the jet era in 1962 after taking delivery of two Boeing 720s. On 19 February 1963, the airline became a registered company and was formally established as an independent enterprise. It expanded its fleet with Douglas DC-6 and Boeing 707 aircraft, joined the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization in 1965, and progressively added European, African and Asian destinations. A major brand change took place on 1 April 1972, when the airline adopted the name Saudia. During the 1970s it introduced a white, green and blue livery, acquired Boeing 737 and Fokker F-28 aircraft, and began Boeing 747 operations. Cargo flying to Europe, the Arabian Express shuttle between Jeddah and Riyadh, and Special Flight Services for royal and government missions broadened its operating model. A Pan Am/Saudia service between Dhahran and New York began in 1979. The 1980s were a period of rapid international expansion. Saudia added destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America and introduced aircraft including Airbus A300s, Boeing 747s and Lockheed L-1011s. It established Saudia Catering, expanded cargo facilities, and introduced Horizon Class as a premium service. In 1982, it inaugurated nonstop Jeddah–New York service using Boeing 747SP aircraft. During the 1990s, Saudia added further destinations and modernized its fleet with Boeing 777, MD-90 and MD-11 aircraft. In 1996, it replaced the Saudia identity with the full Saudi Arabian Airlines name and introduced a sand-colored fuselage and dark-blue tail design. The following decade focused on organizational restructuring. In 2000, the government began studies related to privatization. Non-core divisions such as catering, ground handling, maintenance, air cargo and aviation training were progressively organized as strategic business units and potential commercial entities. In 2012, the airline reverted to Saudia as its principal brand name and joined SkyTeam. The change formed part of a broader modernization effort. Saudia received dozens of new aircraft during that period, including Airbus and Boeing models, and later added Boeing 787-9 aircraft. In 2016, it announced Flyadeal, a low-cost subsidiary launched in 2017 to serve domestic and regional markets. The 2020s have centered on digitalization, fleet growth and network development. Saudia tested an IATA-supported digital travel-document application in 2021, evaluated additional wide-body aircraft, and selected CFM LEAP engines for Airbus A321neo aircraft. The airline expanded or resumed service to several cities in 2022 and signed an agreement with the Air Connectivity Programme to support new international routes. Its 2023 Boeing 787 order represented a significant long-haul fleet commitment. That year it also returned to a visual identity based on the 1970s design and introduced the SAUDIA artificial-intelligence travel assistant. In 2025, it announced the transfer of its London–Neom operation from Heathrow to Gatwick to use aircraft better aligned with demand. Saudia remains a state-owned full-service carrier and a central component of Saudi Arabia’s aviation infrastructure. Its role combines ordinary commercial transportation with pilgrimage operations, national connectivity, diplomatic visibility and support for the country’s tourism and economic diversification objectives.
- 2023
Boeing 787 order announced
[1]Saudia ordered 39 Boeing 787 aircraft, with options for additional aircraft.
- 2023
1970s-inspired identity introduced
[1]The airline unveiled a refreshed livery and brand system based on its earlier visual heritage.
- 2017
Flyadeal begins operations
[1]Saudia Group’s low-cost subsidiary began domestic and regional operations.
- 2012
Rebrands as Saudia and joins SkyTeam
[1]The airline returned to the Saudia brand and became the first Middle Eastern member of SkyTeam.
- 1996
Full Saudi Arabian Airlines identity returns
[1]The airline replaced the Saudia name in its corporate identity with Saudi Arabian Airlines and introduced a new livery.
- 1979
Pan Am/Saudia New York service begins
[1]A joint service connected Dhahran and New York.
- 1972
Saudia brand name adopted
[1]The carrier changed its operating brand to Saudia and introduced a distinctive green-and-blue visual identity.
- 1963
Becomes an independent company
[1]Saudi Arabian Airlines was registered as an independent company.
- 1962
Jet operations begin
[1]The airline received Boeing 720 aircraft and entered the jet age.
- 1959
Pilot Training Institute opens
[1]Saudia opened an aviation school in Jeddah to train pilots and develop local technical capacity.
Products and positioning
A national, full-service airline combining Saudi identity, pilgrimage connectivity, international network breadth and modern fleet investment.
Airline transportation · 1947
Scheduled passenger services
Saudia operates full-service domestic and international passenger flights. Its network is centered on Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, while also reaching destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. The airline offers multiple cabin classes and operates both scheduled and seasonal capacity.
Pilgrimage transportation · 1947
Hajj and seasonal charter services
Pilgrim transportation has been part of Saudia’s operating mission since its early years. The airline adds charter and seasonal flights during Hajj, Ramadan and related periods to connect Saudi gateways with major Muslim population centers.
Cargo aviation · 1970
Air cargo
Saudia provides cargo capacity through dedicated and belly-hold operations. The airline developed international cargo services during the 1970s and later treated air cargo as a strategic business unit within its restructuring program.
Government and VIP aviation · 1970
Special Flight Services
Special Flight Services operates dedicated flights for the Saudi royal family and government agencies. The activity is distinct from Saudia’s ordinary scheduled passenger network and forms part of the carrier’s broader aviation-related role.
Inflight media
Ahlan Wasahlan
Ahlan Wasahlan is Saudia’s inflight magazine. It supports the airline’s onboard brand experience and communicates travel, cultural and destination content to passengers.
Digital travel service · 2023
SAUDIA AI travel assistant
Introduced with the 2023 brand refresh, SAUDIA is an artificial-intelligence travel assistant intended to support customer interactions and travel planning through digital channels.
Controversies
2020
Saudia fined Tk 2 lakh over passenger certificate requirements
A mobile court at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport fined Saudi Arabian Airlines Tk 200,000 for carrying passengers to Dhaka without Covid-19 negative certificates. The penalty was issued in relation to the airline's handling of passengers who arrived without the required negative test documentation. The event was reported on December 15, 2020.
Marketing campaigns
- 2023Aston Martin Formula One partnership
International
Saudia became Aston Martin’s official global airline partner through a multi-year agreement, extending its international sports-marketing strategy.
- 2023Saudia brand relaunch
Global
The airline relaunched its identity using a livery and logo inspired by the 1970s brand heritage, accompanied by digital-service initiatives.
Outcome. The relaunch positioned historical Saudi visual assets as part of a modern airline identity.
- 2022Newcastle United tour airline partnership
United Kingdom · Saudi Arabia
Saudia was announced as Newcastle United’s official tour airline partner, linking the carrier with the football club’s international travel and promotional activities.
- 2018Diriyah ePrix sponsorship
Saudi Arabia · International
Saudia served as the main sponsor of the Diriyah ePrix, using Formula E to increase brand visibility in Saudi Arabia and international sports audiences.
Outcome. The airline also became Formula E’s official airline and continued its association with the event in 2019.
- 1977Williams Formula One sponsorship
International
Saudia became the principal sponsor of the Williams Formula One team, associating the airline with international motorsport during a period in which Williams achieved major championship success.
Outcome. The sponsorship continued until 1984 and coincided with Williams Constructors’ Championship victories in 1980 and 1981.
Brand decisions
2025
Move London–Neom service to GatwickStrategyBackground
The Heathrow operation used larger Boeing 787-9 aircraft, while demand on the route was considered better suited to lower-capacity equipment.
Action taken
Saudia announced that the London–Neom route would move from Heathrow to Gatwick and use Airbus A320 aircraft.
Aftermath
The change was intended to align capacity with demand and improve operational efficiency.
2023
Order next-generation Boeing 787 aircraftOtherBackground
Saudia planned substantial fleet and network expansion as Saudi aviation demand and international connectivity grew.
Action taken
The airline ordered 39 Boeing 787 aircraft in the -9 and -10 variants and secured options for additional aircraft.
Aftermath
The order strengthened the carrier’s planned long-haul fleet and supported its stated growth ambitions through 2030.
2016
Create a low-cost subsidiaryStrategyBackground
The Saudia Group SV 2020 transformation strategy called for differentiated airline offerings and commercially focused group companies.
Action taken
Saudia established Flyadeal, which began operating in 2017 on domestic and regional routes.
Aftermath
The group added a low-cost operating model alongside its full-service flag carrier.
2012
Return to the Saudia brand and join SkyTeamStrategyBackground
The airline sought a modernized international identity and broader global alliance connectivity.
Action taken
It abandoned the Saudi Arabian Airlines branding in favor of Saudia and joined SkyTeam on 29 May 2012.
Aftermath
Saudia gained alliance connectivity and became SkyTeam’s first Middle Eastern member.
2000
Begin privatization and structural-reform studiesStrategyBackground
The Saudi government commissioned studies on privatization and prepared the airline for a more commercially structured operating model.
Action taken
Non-core activities were reorganized into strategic business units, including catering, ground handling, maintenance, air cargo and aviation training.
Aftermath
The restructuring created a framework for commercializing selected subsidiaries and profit centers while retaining the airline’s national-carrier role.
Recent events
Reported
Huawei and Saudia announce partnership MoU[3]
Huawei and Saudi Arabian Airlines announced a memorandum of understanding at the Riyadh event. Saudia's CEO said the partnership with Huawei would allow more guests in international markets, including China and APAC, to use its digital application through AppGallery.
Reported
Saudia launches the Take Your Seat campaign[4]
Saudia launched the Take Your Seat campaign for Formula E, featuring championship content, a chance to win race hospitality, and loyalty benefits and travel rates.
Saudia opens new Alfursan lounge at Jeddah airport[5]
Saudia officially launched its newest Alfursan lounge in the international terminal of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport. The facility offers premium services to eligible passengers and loyalty members.
Reported
Saudia offers GCC travelers promotional fares to Riyadh[6]
Saudia launched a $150 promotional offer for a round-trip ticket to Riyadh from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, and Manama. The offer was available until December 8.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Saudia signs agreement with GE Digital for aviation software[7]
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) signed an agreement with GE Digital to implement GE Digital's Aviation Software Asset Records solution. The contract extends their partnership to support operational efficiencies and cost optimization.
Reported
Saudia and the Royal Commission for AlUla sign marketing agreement[8]
Saudia and the Royal Commission for AlUla signed a $1 million marketing agreement to promote AlUla as a destination for Saudi tourists.
Saudia fined Tk 2 lakh over passenger certificate requirements[2]
A mobile court at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport fined Saudi Arabian Airlines Tk 200,000 for carrying passengers to Dhaka without Covid-19 negative certificates.
Reported
Saudia and Dettol announce onboard hygiene partnership[9]
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) announced a partnership with Dettol Arabia to provide hygiene products to passengers and cabin crew, beginning with disinfectant wipes onboard and potentially expanding to aircraft hygiene.
Reported
Red Sea Development Company and Saudia sign cooperation memorandum[10]
The Red Sea Development Company and Saudi Arabian Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding covering cooperation that includes inflight promotion, joint participation in exhibitions, and joint international marketing campaigns.
Sources10 sources
- 1Saudiaen.wikipedia.org
- 2Saudia fined Tk 2 lakh over passenger certificate requirementsthedailystar.net
- 3华为与沙特阿拉伯航空宣布合作谅解备忘录arabnews.com
- 4Saudia推出“Take Your Seat”活动aviationweek.com
- 5Saudia在吉达机场启用新的Alfursan贵宾室ttnworldwide.com
- 6Saudia 向海合会旅客推出前往利雅得的促销票价saudigazette.com.sa
- 7沙特航空与GE Digital签署航空软件协议arabnews.com
- 8Saudia与阿卢拉皇家委员会签署营销协议arabnews.com
- 9Saudia与Dettol宣布机上卫生合作arabnews.com
- 10红海开发公司与沙乌地阿拉伯航空签署合作备忘录breakingtravelnews.com
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