Airport launches Saudi service and welcomes back Emirates A380

Connectivity between Birmingham and the Gulf received a huge boost this weekend with the launch of a new Saudia Arabia route and the return of the Emirates A380 'superjumbo ' to increase capacity on Dubai services.

The iconic 615-seat double-decker Emirates ' A380 returned to Birmingham on Saturday for the first time since March 2020, bringing much-needed extra capacity for business and leisure customers on the popular twice daily Dubai services.

With the capability to fly distances of up to 15,000km between take-off and landing, the A380 is one of the longest-range aircraft in the world.

Emirates is the largest operator of Airbus A380 aircraft, with more than 80 aircraft currently in active service. The airline first launched A380 operations to Birmingham in 2016.

Richard Jewsbury, Emirates divisional vice president in the UK, said: “We 're excited to be bringing back our iconic A380 aircraft back to Birmingham. The return will make it easier to connect more passengers to popular, long-haul destinations including Thailand, Australia, and of course the vibrant city of Dubai for summer and beyond.

“As well as meeting increased customer demand, businesses across the region will be able to take full advantage of the cargo capacity. We 're extremely proud of our partnership with Birmingham Airport and our ongoing commitment to the wider Midlands region. We look forward to welcoming customers back on-board. ”

Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said: “Emirates ' magnificent A380 aircraft on the BHX tarmac is a sight for sore eyes. We are all thrilled to see it back. Whether travelling for business, leisure or family, our twice daily Dubai services are very popular, with nine out of 10 seats sold on average.

“The extra capacity offered by the A380 will be welcomed by Emirates customers. ”

Meanwhile, Saudia - the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia - began flights from Birmingham on Sunday.

The airline will fly three times a week to Saudi second city Jeddah.

BHX 's Jeddah services will fly on Tuesdays, Thursday and Sundays.

Ms. Manal Alshehri, VP passenger sales for Saudia, at BHX, said: “We are proud to be expanding our operations in the United Kingdom and continue to regularly offer new destinations to our guests.

“The United Kingdom is a very important destination for SAUDIA, and the launch of new direct flights to and from Birmingham highlights the strengthening of relations between our two countries.

“We 're also very grateful for the continuous support from the Air Connectivity Program, which enables us to continue to grow as we work towards our objective to bring the world to Saudi Arabia. ”

Mr Barton added: “We are so pleased to welcome Saudia to Birmingham Airport for what we hope will be a long-lasting and fruitful partnership.

“Among the six million people who live in our immediate catchment are many thousands who now have wonderful new options with Saudia, whether they 're travelling for business, leisure, family, or religious purposes.

“Some will go to Jeddah to sample its beautiful beaches, modern architecture, and rich cultural heritage, including the historic Al-Balad district.

“Some will go on to Makkah and Medina for Hajj. Others will travel onwards via Saudia 's impressive global network to destinations in Asia, Africa and North America.

“Brits travelling from Birmingham beyond Jeddah, can also make use of the 'stop-over visa' - a chance to enjoy Jeddah before heading on. ”

Pictured (l to r): Hesham Aldkhail and Manal Alshehri of Saudia, Nick Barton and MP for Meriden Saqib Bhatti