Saudi Arabia Expands Its Global Aviation Ambitions as SAUDIA Launches Exciting New Direct Flights Connecting Venice With Riyadh and Jeddah

Published on June 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its global aviation presence with the launch of SAUDIA’s nonstop flights connecting Venice directly to Riyadh and Jeddah. This strategic move not only strengthens the Kingdom’s air network but also offers business and leisure travelers seamless access between Italy’s thriving northeastern hub and Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism and economic centers. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation, these new routes reflect the Kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a major global travel hub while deepening economic, cultural, and tourism ties with Italy.

SAUDIA Launches Direct Flights from Venice to Riyadh and Jeddah, Expanding Its Italian Network

SAUDIA, the national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a proud member of the SkyTeam alliance, has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its foothold in the Italian market. As the Kingdom awaits the official debut of Riyadh Air, SAUDIA continues to lead the way by introducing two new direct routes connecting Venice Marco Polo Airport to Riyadh and Jeddah. This latest expansion underscores the airline’s growing commitment to both business and leisure travelers between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

New Gateway to the Arabian Peninsula

Starting Friday, June 13, SAUDIA inaugurated its new Venice routes, adding an important link between northeastern Italy and Saudi Arabia. Both the Venice-Riyadh and Venice-Jeddah flights are currently operating with multiple weekly frequencies, serviced by the modern Airbus A320 aircraft. Each plane offers a dual-class configuration, accommodating twenty passengers in Business Class and ninety in Economy, ensuring comfort and convenience for all types of travelers.

With these additions, Venice has become SAUDIA’s third Italian destination, joining Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino. The inclusion of Venice is not only a reflection of the airline’s growing interest in Italy but also a strategic move to capture the increasing demand for direct connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Italy’s economically vibrant northeast.

Strategic Partnership with SAVE Group

The launch of these routes was made possible through the collaborative efforts of SAUDIA and the SAVE Group, the management company overseeing Venice Marco Polo Airport. Their partnership has played a pivotal role in facilitating the arrival of the Saudi carrier, addressing both logistical needs and strategic development plans. The SAVE Group’s active support reflects the broader vision of making Venice a key international gateway beyond traditional European destinations.

Meeting the Rising Demand

The decision to operate flights from Venice stems from the rising interest among both leisure and business travelers. Northeastern Italy, known for its robust industrial sector, houses numerous companies with growing investments and partnerships in Saudi Arabia. These direct connections serve to strengthen commercial ties, ease business travel, and foster cross-border investment opportunities.

At the same time, the routes cater to the significant tourist flows between the two regions. Saudi travelers seeking Italy’s rich cultural and historical heritage now enjoy greater convenience, while Italian tourists gain effortless access to Saudi Arabia’s increasingly open and diverse tourism offerings, including its UNESCO heritage sites, Red Sea resorts, and the futuristic developments of NEOM.

Flight Schedule Details

SAUDIA has carefully structured its schedules to offer flexibility and convenience for both business and leisure travelers.

• Flights from Venice to Jeddah are scheduled for Mondays and Fridays, departing at 21:30 and landing in Jeddah at 03:15 local time the next day. Return flights leave Jeddah at 16:10 local time, touching down in Venice at 20:25.
• Flights from Venice to Riyadh operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, taking off at 22:25 and reaching Riyadh at 04:35 local time the following morning. The return leg departs Riyadh at 16:35 local time, arriving in Venice at 21:30.

These schedules offer convenient overnight flights, enabling passengers to maximize their time upon arrival, whether for business meetings or sightseeing.

Venice Emerges as a Global Aviation Hub

Venice Marco Polo Airport is steadily reinforcing its role as a key gateway for global travelers. The addition of SAUDIA’s direct services places it alongside major global carriers already operating in Venice, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and several American airlines. For travelers based in northeastern Italy, the expanded network opens up competitive options and affordable fares to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

SAUDIA’s entry further enhances the global reach of Venice, offering passengers a valuable alternative for long-haul connections, and sets the stage for even more growth as the Saudi airline industry continues its ambitious expansion plans.

Future Growth on the Horizon

As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia moves forward with its Vision 2030 initiative, aviation is playing a central role in transforming the nation into a global transportation hub. The anticipated debut of Riyadh Air is set to complement SAUDIA’s ongoing growth, but until then, SAUDIA remains at the forefront of expanding Saudi Arabia’s international footprint.

There is growing anticipation that SAUDIA may eventually introduce larger, more advanced aircraft on these Italian routes, further increasing capacity and offering enhanced in-flight experiences. For now, these new routes mark a significant achievement in connecting two regions rich in culture, commerce, and tourism potential.

Saudi Arabia accelerates its global aviation growth as SAUDIA launches nonstop Venice flights to Riyadh and Jeddah, boosting tourism, business ties, and cross-cultural connections in line with Vision 2030.

The launch of direct flights between Venice and Saudi Arabia marks a milestone in SAUDIA’s European expansion strategy. By linking Venice to Riyadh and Jeddah, the airline is not only meeting the rising demand for travel between the two nations but also supporting broader economic and cultural exchanges. As both Saudi Arabia and Italy continue to deepen their ties, these flights offer a seamless bridge for travelers eager to explore new opportunities and experiences on both sides of the Mediterranean.