Flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has officially relaunched direct flights to the Austrian capital city, Vienna.

The new route will operate four-times-weekly from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, with a stopover at King Khalid Airport in Riyadh.

The inaugural flight received the traditional water cannon welcome in Vienna on June 16, with senior officials in attendance, including Saudia CEO Jan Albrecht.

The service will be operated by an Airbus A320, with a two-class configuration of Business and Economy.

“We are pleased to be touching down in Vienna, and to be providing our guests with a variety of new routes to experience this summer. On behalf of the airline, we would like to thank the airport authorities, the government and the people of Vienna for supporting the start of Saudia's services. The commencement of the new route provides opportunities for business and trade links, in addition to leisure sights to explore and enjoy year-round," said Albrecht.

“The presence of Saudia at Vienna Airport means that one of the largest airlines in the Middle East is now represented here. The airline links Vienna with Riyadh and Dschidda, the two most important cities for business and tourism in Saudi Arabia. The new flight connection provides positive impetus, particularly for Austrian tourism and the popular travel destination of Vienna," said Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport. - TradeArabia News Service