The Dubai-Riyadh air route solidifying its position as one of the world's busiest.

According to a recent report by UK-based global travel data provider OAG, the short-haul route between the Kingdom's capital and the second capital of the UAE, secured the sixth busiest position globally in 2024, boasting a staggering 4.306 million seats.

This analysis documents an 8% increase in users of this flight path since 2023, and a also marks an impressive 34% jump when compared to pre-pandemic figures in 2019.

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Contributing Factors

Several key factors have contributed to this significant growth.

The post-pandemic travel boom, fuelled by pent-up demand and a desire to reconnect after lockdowns, has significantly boosted air travel between major destinations. As key economic and cultural hubs within the GCC region, Dubai and Riyadh facilitate business travel and tourism.

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Riyadh Season 2024 via ig 8

It is also to be expected that the number of companies and individuals doing regular business in the GCC, specifically on major construction projects in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE has also added to an increased number of passengers regularly travelling between the two nations.

In addition to this, the cultural exchange experienced through the increased number of internationally recognised events taking place in both Riyadh (Riyadh Fashion Week, Hia Hub and the events of Riyadh Season), and Dubai (Dubai World Cup, DP World Championship Tour and Arabian Travel Market), has significantly increased, putting both cities on the map for regional and international travel for both leisure and business.

Continued Investment & Growth

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The future of the Dubai-Riyadh route looks promising, with several exciting developments on the horizon - including the launch of the Kingdom's newest national airline, Riyadh Air slated to take off from January 2025. It is expected that Riyadh Air will regularly service the Dubai-Riyadh flight route, offering customers additional regularity and alternative timings.

Emirates Airline have already committed to enhancing the route, with the recent introduction of the Premium Economy class on flights connecting the two cities. This new class was made available to passengers from October 1, and is available to book on EK 819 (7.10am, DXB-RUH) and EK 820 (9.40am, RUH-DXB). And in November, the UAE's national airline also made a move to further enhanced its offerings in Saudi Arabia with the introduction of Chauffeur-Drive Services (CDS) for premium passengers in Riyadh.

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The investment by both the UAE and Saudi Arabia into strategically increasing the flight frequencies on this route, has lead to an enhanced convenience and affordability for passengers. The burgeoning tourism sectors in both countries, attracting visitors from across the globe, have further contributed to the increased air traffic.

Both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) are undergoing continuous infrastructure upgrades to handle the increasing passenger traffic.

The continued growth of the Dubai-Riyadh route signifies the strong economic and cultural ties between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. This air corridor serves as a vital link, facilitating business opportunities, tourism growth, and personal connections within the region.

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