Tuesday, August 6, 2024
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ITA has launched a new direct flight from Rome to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, expanding its destinations in the Kingdom after the launch of Riyadh in June 2024.
Alitalia launches direct flights from Rome to Jeddah
New gateway to Saudi Arabia
On August 2, Alitalia inaugurated its new direct flights from Rome to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking its second destination in the Kingdom after Riyadh, which began in June 2024. The inaugural flight was celebrated with a water salute and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting its strategic cultural and commercial importance. The ceremony was attended by high-level stakeholders, including Deputy Consul General of Italy Irene Bongiorno and representatives from Alitalia and Jeddah Airport.
Flight composition and schedule
The route is served by an Airbus A321neo, designed by renowned Italian transport designer Walter De Silva, catering to both business and leisure travellers. The aircraft features Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class sections, and accommodates up to 165 passengers with advanced entertainment systems. The new Rome-Jeddah service operates three times a week, departing Jeddah on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 03:30, arriving in Rome in time for the working day. Return flights from Rome depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 15:05.
Network expansion and strategic growth
As Italy’s national airline, ITA Airways is partly state-owned and saw Lufthansa take a 41% stake in the spring of 2023, with plans for a full takeover approved by the European Commission in July 2024. Since its launch in 2020, succeeding Alitalia, ITA Airways has rapidly expanded to 65 destinations in 22 countries, offering 393 daily departures. This winter, the airline plans to add routes to Dubai and Bangkok.
Promote communication and tourism
The new Rome-Jeddah route, offering 2,600 weekly seats to Saudi Arabia, is in line with Alitalia’s strategy to tap into the Gulf’s growing tourism sector. As the region diversifies its economy away from fossil fuels towards tourism and services, Alitalia aims to boost its financial performance by tapping into this emerging market.
