Korean Air is set to expand its network to the region with the relaunch of its direct service to Saudi Arabia from its hub in Seoul starting from November 9, said the airline’s GSA in the Middle East region.

Announcing the relaunch, Kanoo Travel said, "Korean Air will commence the direct service three times a week, flying from Seoul/Incheon first to Riyadh and then onto Jeddah. The Seoul/Incheon-Riyadh-Jeddah flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday."

Korean Air’s flight - KE961 will depart at 9.55pm and arrive in Riyadh at 3.10am the next day. The flight will then continue its journey from Riyadh taking off at 4.20am and arriving in Jeddah at 6.15am.

On return, the flight - KE962 will depart from Jeddah at 11am and arrive in Riyadh at 12:35pm. The flight will then take off from Riyadh at 1:55pm and arrive in Seoul/Incheon at 5am the next day.

The Seoul/Incheon – Riyadh – Jeddah route will be operated with an Airbus 330-200, seating 218 passengers and equipped with Korean Air’s premium seats.

Welcoming Korean Air back into the Kingdom, Nabeel Kanoo, the director of Kanoo Travel, said, "Our association with the airline began in 2008, when we were signed as the GSA for Saudi. Korean Air’s new Seoul/Incheon-Riyadh and Jeddah service, will attract business travelers visiting Saudi and also develop the market, which has a great potential for growth."

"The service will also be of interest to transit passengers from neighboring countries to Korea, including Japan and China, who will travel to Saudia via Korean Air’s hub in Seoul, the award winning Incheon International Airport,” he remarked.

Working in partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines, which is a new member of the airline alliance SkyTeam, of which Korean Air is also a member, will enable Korean Air to expand its network across the Middle East region and also serve as a catalyst to expand exchange between Saudi and Korea.

Korean Air is the country's flag carrier flying to 122 destinations in 42 countries.-TradeArabia News Service