Qatar Airways launches eighth route to Saudi Arabia

Qatar Airways has launched a new service to its eighth destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with four flights a week to Abha.

The inaugural flight landed at Abha International Airport yesterday.

Qatar Airways flight QR1212, which landed at Abha international Airport at 15:40 yesterday was welcomed with a traditional water salute.

The airport ceremony was hosted by Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Aero Political & Regulatory Affairs Mr. Ali Al-Rais. At the official ceremony, Engineer Tariq Al-AbdulJabbar, Assistant Vice President of Domestic Airports welcomed the first Qatar Airways flight to Abha, followed by an exchange of gifts with Abha International Airport officials in the presence of local media.

"We have been steadily growing our presence and services to Saudi Arabia for the past 18 years," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. "As our eighth destination in the Kingdom, Abha will bring additional flexibility for passengers connecting from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. From Abha, our passengers will now be able to travel seamlessly through our state-of-the-art Doha hub Hamad International Airport to popular cities such as London, Paris, Bangkok, Singapore, New York and Washington. At the same time this will provide passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia from international markets the convenience of another gateway.”