The new routes from Budapest, Bucharest and Rome will provide affordable point-to-point travel opportunities and enhance global connectivity 

Jeddah, 12 January 2023: On 9, 10 and 11 of January 2023, Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and globally most environmentally sustainable* airline, officially inaugurated three new connections between Bucharest and Jeddah, Budapest and Jeddah and Rome and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The new routes will be served twice a week. Tickets can be purchased on Wizz Air's website and via the WIZZ app from as low as 29.99 EUR*.

Wizz Air kicked off 2023 further strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia by launching five new routes from Hungary, Romania and Italy to Riyadh and Jeddah. The new routes to Jeddah from Bucharest, Budapest and Rome will boost the growing Saudi Arabian tourism sector by bringing a new era of affordable, hassle-free and direct travel opportunities to Riyadh from the European capitals. The airline is currently operating 12 routes to the Kingdom from its main hubs in Europe.

The new routes are a part of a line-up of twenty-four new routes to Saudi Arabia announced in recent months by Wizz Air, underpinning the airline's commitment to supporting the country's growing tourism sector by bringing more than one million passengers to the Kingdom in the coming year. The airline’s growing presence is in line with the Vision 2030 Programme, a strategic and ambitious goal to triple passenger traffic in Saudi Arabia by 2030.

Robert Carey, President of Wizz Air, said: “We are thrilled to offer three exciting new destinations from Jeddah to Budapest, Bucharest and Rome, increasing the connectivity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the most exciting countries in the world with its versatility, countless attractions, and a thriving cultural scene. Wizz Air now flies from Jedda to five destinations in Europe, once again confirming its commitment to the market. We will continue to innovate and carry forward the banner of low-cost, sustainable flying for the benefit of Saudi residents and visitors and the country's diversifying economy.'

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Saudi has quickly become one of the most exciting destinations for European travelers. Our partnership with Wizz Air is already one of the largest in the world and we are thrilled to announce 3 new routes to Jeddah from Budapest, Bucharest and Rome as a response to market demand. These new connections demonstrate our continued commitment to making travel to Saudi more accessible and affordable for all consumers.”

Khalil Lamrabet, Chief Executive Officer of the Air Connectivity Program: “New direct flights from Budapest and Bucharest and increased capacity from Rome to Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city mark an exciting milestone in the history of air connectivity to the Kingdom. Thanks to strong cooperation from our partners at Wizz Air and across the Saudi tourism and aviation ecosystems, millions of new travelers will be able to experience the history and charm of the Red Sea’s most compelling city. New and increased flights will support the Kingdom's growing tourism sector and encourage further inland travel to the Hijaz region and beyond. At the Air Connectivity Program, we are excited to unlock new opportunities with our air travel partners, and we look forward to the cultural exchange and prosperity this will bring.” 

Wizz Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May 2022. The MoU is supported by the Air Connectivity Programme, a Ministry of Tourism initiative aimed to enhance the development of the Saudi Tourism Sector. It reflects a shared vision between the parties on the potential Wizz Air could bring to the Kingdom with its incredibly low fares to stimulate tourist demand, thereby making a significant contribution to Saudi Arabia’s planned growth.

Jeddah is known as 'the gateway to Saudi Arabia', and has for centuries been the destination of many pilgrims on their way to the holy cities of Medina and Mecca. Today, it is a metropolis with a population of three million people, able to amaze even the most experienced traveler thanks to the presence of natural wonders and an incredible historical and cultural heritage that make it a perfect mix of tradition and modernity.

Budapest is a majestic city with an aquatic heart bisected by the Danube River. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the exceptional beauty of the hilly Buda district with the pulsating nightlife of Pest. The 'Queen of the Danube' is also steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Budapest is one of Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to the picturesque setting, and its architecture it is nicknamed 'Paris of the East'.
Bucharest, with its stunning landscape, rich culture, and historical heritage, offers diverse experiences, fine cuisine, and a variety of leisurely activities. Romania's capital and commercial center is renowned for its thriving nightlife, wide boulevards lined with trees, magnificent Belle Époque buildings, and its iconic landmark, the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building. Bucharest was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name means 'joy' in Romanian.