Qatar Airways continues to grow its network in Saudi Arabia with the launch of three weekly flights to Yanbu, its ninth destination in the kingdom.

Passengers travelling to and from the sea port city will experience Qatar Airways’ renowned five-star service, as well as have the opportunity to explore the multiple award-winning Hamad International Airport, the airline’s hub in Doha, before continuing their journey to any of Qatar Airways’ 150 plus global destinations.

Qatar Airways inaugural flight QR1216, which landed at Prince Abdulmohsin Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu at 15:35, May 9, was welcomed with a traditional water salute. The airport ceremony was attended by Qatar Airways acting chief commercial officer Ehab Amin, who was warmly greeted by Governor of Yanbu Musaed bin Yahya Al-Saleem and director of Western Airports, Suliman Al-Rawaf, followed by an exchange of gifts in the presence of local officials and media.

Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: "As our ninth destination in the kingdom, Yanbu will bring additional flexibility for passengers connecting from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Passengers departing from Yanbu will now be able to travel seamlessly through our state-of-the-art Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, to more than 150 destinations. At the same time this will provide passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia from international markets the convenience of another gateway in the kingdom.”

Al-Rawaf welcomed Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight at Prince Abdulmohsin Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu, and said he is looking forward to establishing a fruitful relationship with the airline.

"Yanbu airport is witnessing a notable growth in the number of international flights, with about 650,000 passengers served in 2016 on board 5,392 flights. We have completed preparations to increase the airport’s ability to receive even more international flights, including inbound flights from neighbouring countries in the region. These efforts are part of the country's aspiration of achieving the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030,” Al-Rawaf said.

On its three weekly flights to and from Yanbu, the airline will fly the A320 aircraft, featuring a two-class cabin configuration with 12 seats in First Class and 132 Economy Class seats.

Qatar Airways operates 151 weekly flights to eight key cities in Saudi Arabia. The addition of Yanbu will increase the number of Qatar Airways’ weekly flights to Saudi Arabia to 154 non-stop flights. Additional frequency to Yanbu will commence on 23 June 2017.

The city of Yanbu is located in Al Madinah province of Western Saudi Arabia, which has recently been gaining popularity in the region as a tourist destination. One of its main attractions is a natural harbour protected by coral reefs, making it an optimum diving spot.

Qatar Airways began operations to the kingdom in 1997 with non-stop flights to Jeddah. The airline has added Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah, Gassim, Ta’if, Al Hofuf and Abha to its portfolio of destinations, all non-stop to and from Doha. - TradeArabia News Service