Sunday, September 15, 2024 Wizz Air is launching new low-cost flights from London Gatwick to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using cutting-edge Airbus A321XLR planes, starting March 31, 2025. Wizz Air is gearing up to transform budget travel between the UK and Saudi Arabia with the introduction of new direct flights from London Gatwick. Starting March 31 next year, the airline will begin services to Jeddah, using its cutting-edge Airbus A321XLR planes.
With a fleet expansion that includes 47 of these advanced aircraft, Wizz Air is positioning Gatwick as the launch point for the first of its Airbus A321XLR operations. Known for its fuel efficiency, the A321XLR features larger fuel tanks that allow non-stop flights up to 11 hours, while reducing fuel consumption by nearly 30% per passenger compared to older models. Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi highlighted the efficiency of the new plane during a recent press event, noting that the aircraft shares the same design as the A321neo but offers seating for 239 passengers.
Despite the advantages, passengers may face a small comfort issue—the seats on these planes don’t recline, which could make sleeping on the seven-hour journey to Jeddah a bit tricky. Ticket prices for the new route start at £134.99, with the inaugural flight set for March 31, 2025, and daily services following soon after.
This route marks Wizz Air’s longest flight to date, taking approximately seven hours each way. While Wizz Air has no plans to enter the long-haul or transatlantic market, it’s clear the airline is expanding its reach. The first route to feature the A321XLR was announced last week, connecting Milan to Abu Dhabi, but the Gatwick-Jeddah route will be the first to operate with the aircraft.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is ramping up its tourism efforts. Last week, the country launched a global campaign titled “This Land is Calling,” designed to attract international visitors to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and historical wonders. This push aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to draw 150 million tourists by the end of the decade, making tourism a key pillar of the economy, second only to oil.
However, despite these developments, Saudi Arabia’s controversial human rights record, including its harsh treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and the use of capital punishment, may deter some travelers from visiting the kingdom..
