NEW DELHI: India’s tourism players are expecting a boost in premium and business travel from Saudi Arabia, following the launch of Riyadh Air’s daily flights to Mumbai.
Riyadh Air started operating flights between the Saudi capital and Mumbai on Tuesday, marking the airline’s first Indian route and eighth destination overall since commercial operations began in June.
The new route is a response to “strong demand for travel” that will “support growing business, tourism and cultural links” between Saudi Arabia and India, the Saudi flag carrier said in a statement.
Riyadh Air’s direct flights to India’s commercial and financial capital “marked a major milestone in Saudi-India connectivity,” according to Jyoti Mayal, chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council and former president of the Travel Agents Association of India.
“Direct connectivity is expected to boost inbound tourism from Saudi Arabia across multiple segments significantly,” she told Arab News, highlighting pilgrimages, medical tourism as well as business travel.
