Saudia Launches New Route: Direct Flights from Dammam to Heathrow

Saudia recently inaugurated a new flight route, marking a significant milestone as a passenger-filled Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner departed from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, en route to London, UK.

On November 6, 2025, flight SV117 took off from King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam at approximately 16:30 local time. Its destination? London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

The aircraft, bearing the registration HZ-AR11, is expected to touch down in London around 20:20. Upon arrival, the flight will receive a warm welcome from the Saudia ground team.

Saudia executives, including Chief Commercial Officer Arved von zur Muehlen, are currently in London for the World Travel Market, signaling the importance of this new route.

In July 2025, Saudia announced its plans to run flights three times a week between Dammam and London as part of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program aimed at broadening international travel options.

Through a collaborative effort among Dammam airports, Saudia, and the Air Connectivity Program, direct flights from Dammam to London have finally commenced. This development is being celebrated as a key achievement that will bolster air connectivity for the Kingdom.

Saudia considers its operations in the UK to be highly strategic, as it already boasts a robust presence with multiple flights to various European cities.

With the addition of this new route, Saudia now operates five non-stop connections to London from cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and Neom Bay. Besides Heathrow, the airline services London Gatwick Airport (LGW), Birmingham Airport (BHX), and Manchester Airport (MAN).

There is a notable demand for these routes from both UK citizens and Saudi residents eager to explore one another’s countries.

Dammam, while not as famous as Riyadh, Jeddah, or Medina, plays a vital role as the oil center of Saudi Arabia.

Located on the eastern coast along the Arabian Gulf, Dammam has undergone rapid modernization while preserving its traditional appeal.

The new service connecting Dammam to Heathrow is a collective effort by the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority, Dammam Airports Company, and Sharqia Development Authority (SDA).

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aspires to showcase the Kingdom as a global tourist hub and attract a broader array of international visitors.

It was noted that the expansion reflects Dammam’s growing significance as an economic and tourism center, creating new opportunities in the tourism and aviation sectors. This enhancement in air connectivity is expected to encourage more inbound tourism from European markets.

Are you excited about the new Dammam to London route?