Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the Kingdom’s national flag carrier, inaugurated the first direct flight to Zurich, Switzerland, in collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program.
To honour the occasion, SAUDIA organized an inauguration ceremony at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh in the presence of the Swiss Ambassador to the Kingdom, Dr. Andreas Schaller, the Chief Commercial Officer of SAUDIA, Mr. Arved Nikolaus Von Zur Muhlen, the VP Strategy & Communication for the Air Connectivity Program, Mr. Sultan Otaify, and the VP Air Service Development and Aviation Marketing for the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, Ms. Anita Gackowska, along with several government officials working at the airport.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the departure gate to launch the new route, as SAUDIA employees bid farewell to the travelling guests.
For his part, Mr. Muhlen stated, “With constant support from the Air Connectivity Program, we at SAUDIA, are excited to start transporting passengers along this milestone route, effectively utilizing our fleet of 150 premium aircraft to best accommodate travellers to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Muhlen also underlined the team’s continuous efforts in successfully operating new flight routes.
Mr. Sultan Otaify indicated that this type of productive local partnership was a foundation stone for a series of future endeavours aiming to support the aviation sector, establish new air routes and enhance flight frequency. He added that this would, in turn, contribute to Saudi tourism development.
The aircraft was welcomed with a water salute to honour its first direct flight from Saudi Arabia at Zurich International Airport. Moreover, SAUDIA held another celebration in Switzerland to celebrate the return flight from Zurich to Riyadh. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Switzerland, Dr Adel Bin Siraj Mirdad, and SAUDIA Regional Manager of Europe, Hesham Aldkhail.
In line with its goal to bring the world to the Kingdom, SAUDIA’s new route connecting Riyadh to Zurich will further make use of the airline’s extensive fleet, catering to guests with a range of convenient check-in methods, high-quality onboard services, and a comfortable flight experience that underlines the flag carrier’s commitment to excellence.
Flight Schedule for Zurich
| Flight Number | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Frequency　 |
| SV　 0235 | Riyadh 8:45 | Zurich 14:05 | Twice a week (Sundays and Wednesdays) |
| SV　 0234 | Zurich 15:20 | Riyadh 21:55 | Twice a week (Sundays and Wednesdays) |
