Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Crisis: "Haram. Haram. Haram!"
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas made headlines at the PIF Private Sector Forum with a passionate critique of Saudi Arabia’s limited global air connectivity.
- Saudi passport holders are the top premium passengers for Qatar Airways (business & first class).
- They are also the third-largest premium passengers on Emirates.
Even Douglas himself is flying Emirates next week for an event in Miami—because there’s no direct flight from Riyadh.
Riyadh Air’s Plan to Fix Saudi Arabia’s Air Travel Woes
Expanding Direct Flights to 100 Cities by 2030
Douglas assured that change is coming, with Riyadh Air aiming to connect 100 cities by 2030. This initiative will:
- ✅ Reduce reliance on foreign airlines
- ✅ Position Riyadh as a global travel hub
- ✅ Improve convenience for Saudi travelers
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes expanding tourism and business sectors, but limited flight options hinder progress. By establishing Riyadh as a key global gateway, Saudi travelers will no longer depend on foreign hubs like Doha and Dubai.
The Power of "Haram" in Douglas’s Message
In Islamic teachings, the term “haram” refers to anything strictly forbidden. By using such a strong word, Douglas emphasized:
- 🚨 The urgency of fixing Saudi Arabia’s air travel limitations
- ✈️ The need for immediate expansion in direct global flights
