Saudia Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight from Jeddah to Bali

Bali, Indonesia – April 3, 2025 — In a significant development for international travel and tourism, Saudia Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has officially launched its inaugural flight connecting Jeddah to Bali. The flight, designated as SV856, landed at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali at approximately 1:10 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025, following its departure from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Welcoming Ceremony

The arrival was marked by a ceremonial water cannon salute from the airport’s fire brigade, a traditional welcome for inaugural flights. The event was attended by key dignitaries including Faisal Alallah, the country manager of Saudia Airlines in Indonesia, Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amudi, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, and Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali. Other notable attendees included Cecep Kurniawan, the head of the regional airport authority, and Wahyudi, the Regional CEO of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia.

New Route and Schedule

The new Jeddah-Bali route will operate three times a week, utilizing the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its advanced technology and superior in-flight entertainment options. The aircraft is designed to offer spacious seating and premium services, ensuring an enhanced travel experience for all passengers—ranging from tourists and business executives to transit passengers and religious pilgrims.

In a statement to the press following the inaugural landing, Faisal Alallah highlighted the strategic importance of this route, stating, “The route to Bali aligns with our strategic vision to enhance our competitive advantage and expand our global footprint. It also underlines our commitment to expanding our network."

Expectations for Tourism Growth

Saudia Airlines’ entry into the Bali market is expected to significantly increase the number of Saudi tourists visiting the island. In 2024, only 14,000 Saudi tourists visited Bali. Early figures indicate that approximately 2,000 Saudi Arabian tourists arrived in Bali between January and February 2025. The introduction of direct flights is anticipated to substantially boost these numbers, promoting economic growth in the local tourism sector.

Currently, Saudia Airlines operates a fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, serving over 100 destinations across four continents. The airline has plans to expand further, with the acquisition of 118 new aircraft aimed at increasing their seating capacity and introducing additional international routes.

Conclusion

The addition of direct flights from Jeddah to Bali represents a promising enhancement in international connectivity and a significant opportunity for local tourism. All stakeholders involved are optimistic about the potential rise in tourist arrivals and the positive impact it will have on Bali’s tourism industry.

For more updates on Bali tourism and travel-related news, stay tuned to Bali Update.