Passengers living in the Birmingham area will next week benefit from the launch of a brand new connection with the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.
Hellenic Imperial Airways is preparing to launch a weekly service on Saturday (July 25), with plans afoot to double its frequency next month, subject to demand.
Outbound services will depart from Birmingham Airport on Saturdays at 5pm, stopping over in the Greek capital Athens before flying on to Jeddah.
The new link will be of particular benefit to Muslim travellers, most of whom currently transit through Manchester and London Heathrow when flying to the Middle East.
Airline spokesman Theo Silvestros commented: “As the principal gateway to Mecca, the Jeddah flights [are expected] to be used by many Pilgrims wanting to access Islam’s holiest city.”
Predicting similarly high demand for the first leg of the service, Chairman Talal Abureyal noted that the Greek capital “is not currently served from Birmingham, so we expect that our flights will be welcomed by those travelling for business and leisure”.
