Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP), in partnership with Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), has announced new direct flights from Toulouse and Marseille to Jeddah by Transavia France, starting in October 2025. This expansion builds on the successful launch of services from Paris-Orly and Lyon last year.
The development addresses rising travel demand between France and Saudi Arabia. It reflects efforts to expand Saudi air connectivity under Vision 2030. By increasing accessibility, the initiative supports the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions.
“This expansion strengthens access to the Kingdom and supports our broader tourism ambitions,” said Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Program. “Boosting connectivity with France is vital to our tourism and aviation strategies.”
France–Jeddah Air Connectivity Gains Momentum
Mazen Johar, CEO of JEDCO, noted that the move aligns with the National Aviation Strategy. The strategy seeks to connect King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) to 150 destinations and serve over 90 million passengers each year by 2030.
“These new routes will reinforce Jeddah’s role as a strategic hub between East and West. They offer travelers more choices and a smoother travel experience,” he said.
Nicolas Hénin, Chief Commercial Officer at Transavia France, emphasized the airline’s growing presence in the Kingdom.
“After a successful season with our Lyon–Jeddah and Paris-Orly–Jeddah routes, we are expanding our footprint in Saudi Arabia. We are also launching service to Medina, deepening our cooperation with Saudi aviation partners.”
The Air Connectivity Program is vital in linking public and private sector efforts. It supports the National Tourism Strategy and the National Aviation Strategy by improving Saudi Arabia’s global accessibility.
The Saudi Standard’s View: Air Routes as Economic Accelerators
The expansion of France–Jeddah air connectivity is more than a network upgrade—reflects a calibrated push to align aviation with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation. These routes do more than serve travelers; they extend commercial corridors that link tourism, trade, and investment.
By deepening ties with France, the Kingdom also signals how strategic air links can serve diplomacy, economic resilience, and Vision 2030’s diversification goals. Aviation is no longer just infrastructure—it’s policy in motion.
