Madinah, April 16, 2025 – Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has boosted Umrah and religious travel capacity by adding 700,000 seats in Q1 2025, with plans to reach 2.5 million seats by year-end, ACP CEO Majid Khan announced at the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum (UZF) in Madinah. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy to strengthen global air links to Madinah and streamline pilgrimage travel.
Key Highlights Of the Air Connectivity Program 2025
- New Routes: ACP will launch a third dedicated Umrah route from Germany (Stuttgart to Jeddah) and daily London Gatwick to Madinah flights (starting August 2025), adding ~180,000 seats.
- European Expansion: Partnerships with Eurowings, Transavia, and Wizz Air to operate flights from Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Lyon to Jeddah.
- 2024 Success: 12 airlines and 20 new routes added in 2024, including ITA Airways and British Airways, generating 1.5 million seats.
Focus on Key Pilgrim Markets
Speaking at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah-led forum, Khan emphasized targeting high-demand regions:
- Europe: New routes from Germany, France, and the UK.
- Gulf, CIS Nations, and Indonesia: Enhanced connectivity to Madinah to support rising Umrah demand.
- Strategic Goal: Position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for religious tourism, prioritizing efficiency and accessibility.
Why This Matters
The ACP’s expansion addresses surging demand for Umrah pilgrimages, driven by Saudi Arabia’s post-Vision 2030 tourism reforms. By adding routes from major EU cities and Gulf states, the Kingdom aims to:
- Reduce travel costs and congestion during peak seasons.
- Support its goal of 30 million annual Umrah pilgrims by 2030.
- Strengthen Madinah’s role as a key entry point for religious travelers.
Looking Ahead
Khan confirmed the ACP will continue collaborating with airlines to introduce flexible ticket options and year-round connectivity. Pilgrims are advised to monitor updates via the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official portal for real-time visa and flight information.
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