Milan Bergamo, Italy, Strengthens Tourism Connectivity with Jeddah and Riyadh as flyadeal Now Launches First-Ever Scheduled Flights to Italy

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Travellers between Europe and the Middle East have gained new direct travel options as Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flyadeal launches its first-ever scheduled services to Italy, connecting Milan Bergamo Airport with Jeddah and Riyadh through nonstop flights.

The expansion marks a significant milestone in flyadeal’s international growth strategy and strengthens tourism links between Italy and Saudi Arabia at a time when both destinations continue attracting growing numbers of international visitors. The Jeddah service commenced on 1 July, followed by Riyadh on 2 July, with both routes operating three times weekly using Airbus A320neo aircraft.

The additions also represent an important development for Milan Bergamo Airport, making Saudi Arabia the 45th country served by the airport during the summer 2026 season. For travellers, the new routes improve access between Northern Italy and two of Saudi Arabia’s most important cities while creating fresh opportunities for tourism, business travel and cultural exchange.

Milan Bergamo Expands Its Middle East Tourism Network

Milan Bergamo Airport continues to strengthen its position as one of Northern Italy’s key international gateways.

Located within one of Europe’s most visited regions, the airport provides access to Milan, Bergamo, Lake Como and a wider network of destinations across northern Italy. The region attracts millions of international tourists annually through its combination of cultural landmarks, fashion, gastronomy, historic towns and alpine landscapes.

The addition of direct flights from Saudi Arabia enhances the airport’s long-haul connectivity and opens new opportunities to attract visitors from the Gulf region.

For Saudi travellers, the routes provide easier access to some of Italy’s most popular tourism destinations without requiring transfers through larger European hubs. Visitors arriving in Bergamo can easily explore Milan’s museums, shopping districts, historic architecture and cultural attractions, while also accessing wider tourism experiences across Lombardy.

The launch strengthens Milan Bergamo’s role within Europe’s growing network of Middle East connections.

Jeddah Continues to Grow as a Tourism and Aviation Gateway

The first of the new services connects Milan Bergamo with Jeddah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most important coastal cities.

Located on the Red Sea, Jeddah serves as a major commercial centre and tourism gateway. The city combines historic districts, waterfront attractions, cultural sites and modern tourism infrastructure, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Jeddah also plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism development strategy, with significant investment directed toward hospitality, leisure and cultural experiences.

The route operates every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, providing consistent connectivity between Italy and western Saudi Arabia throughout the summer season.

For Italian travellers, the service offers direct access to a destination increasingly recognised for its cultural heritage, coastal tourism and growing visitor economy.

The route also facilitates onward travel within Saudi Arabia, where tourism development continues expanding across multiple regions.

Riyadh Strengthens Business and Leisure Travel Opportunities

The second route links Milan Bergamo with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and largest city.

Riyadh has become a major focus of the Kingdom’s tourism and economic transformation efforts, attracting increasing numbers of international visitors through new attractions, entertainment projects, cultural initiatives and business events.

The city serves as the country’s primary political and financial centre while rapidly developing its tourism offering. International travellers visiting Riyadh can access museums, heritage districts, modern urban attractions and a growing range of hospitality experiences.

Flights operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, providing regular service between Northern Italy and central Saudi Arabia.

The route supports both leisure and business travel while strengthening links between two important economic regions. Improved air access also encourages greater tourism exchanges between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

Europe and Saudi Arabia Deepen Tourism Connections

The launch of flyadeal’s Italy services reflects broader trends shaping travel between Europe and the Gulf.

Tourism flows between the two regions have increased steadily as airlines expand networks and governments invest in tourism development. Improved connectivity has made travel more convenient while encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond traditional gateways.

Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the Middle East, with major investments aimed at attracting international travellers and diversifying the economy.

Italy, meanwhile, remains one of the world’s most visited countries, drawing tourists through its heritage, cuisine, art, architecture and natural landscapes.

Direct routes between the two markets help support visitor growth while creating opportunities for broader tourism cooperation.

Airbus A320neo Fleet Supports International Expansion

Both services are operated using flyadeal’s Airbus A320neo aircraft, which form a key part of the airline’s growing fleet.

The aircraft offers efficiency and range suitable for medium-haul international routes while supporting the airline’s expansion into new markets. The deployment of A320neo aircraft on the Italy routes demonstrates the strategic importance of the services within flyadeal’s network.

Fleet growth remains an essential component of route development, enabling airlines to expand international connectivity and respond to increasing travel demand.

The addition of Milan Bergamo also highlights flyadeal’s ambition to broaden its European presence as international tourism continues growing.

Milan Bergamo Reaches a New International Milestone

Beyond the route launches themselves, the expansion carries broader significance for Milan Bergamo Airport.

With the addition of Saudi Arabia, the airport now serves 45 countries during the summer 2026 season. This milestone reflects the airport’s growing international reach and its role in connecting travellers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

Enhanced destination diversity strengthens tourism opportunities while providing passengers with a wider range of travel choices.

As international travel demand continues to recover and expand, airports increasingly focus on attracting new airlines and destinations that can support long-term growth.

The arrival of flyadeal contributes to those efforts while strengthening connectivity between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

Chronological Tracker

Key Statistics

• Flyadeal launches its first scheduled services to Italy.
• Jeddah route commenced on 1 July.
• Riyadh route launched on 2 July.
• Both services operate three times weekly.
• Flights are operated using Airbus A320neo aircraft.
• Saudi Arabia becomes the 45th country served from Milan Bergamo Airport.

FAQ

Which Italian airport is Flyadeal serving?

The airline has launched services to Milan Bergamo Airport.

How often do the flights operate?

Both the Jeddah and Riyadh routes operate three times per week.

Why is this launch significant?

It marks flyadeal’s first-ever scheduled passenger services to Italy and expands tourism connectivity between Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Key Dates

1 July 2026 – Milan Bergamo–Jeddah flights commence

2 July 2026 – Milan Bergamo–Riyadh route launches

Summer 2026 – Saudi Arabia becomes the 45th country served from Milan Bergamo Airport

Conclusion

flyadeal’s launch of nonstop flights between Milan Bergamo and both Jeddah and Riyadh marks a major milestone in the airline’s international expansion while strengthening tourism connectivity between Italy and Saudi Arabia. The new services improve access between Northern Italy and two of the Kingdom’s most important cities, supporting leisure travel, cultural exchange and business mobility. As Saudi Arabia continues expanding its tourism sector and Milan Bergamo broadens its international reach, the routes represent another step in deepening travel links between Europe and the Middle East.