Sabiha Gökçen Airport welcomed Flyadeal's first flight to Riyadh

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (ISG) International Airport, Türkiye's second-largest airport and Europe's eighth-largest in terms of passenger numbers, continues to directly connect Istanbul, a global tourism destination, to various destinations through new partnerships. In this context, Flyadeal, one of Saudi Arabia's low-cost airlines, has launched flights to Istanbul from Riyadh, the country's capital and largest city.

Riyadh (RUH) – The first flight on the Istanbul route was greeted with a water cannon salute by the airport authority HEAŞ and Rescue and Fire Fighting (KYM) teams upon landing on the apron at noon today. During the water cannon salute, an aviation tradition, two fire trucks created a rainbow of water cannons with water cannons as the aircraft advanced at the apron entrance. The cockpit and cabin crew of the Flyadeal passenger plane were greeted with flowers, and Turkish delight was served to the 170 passengers arriving from Riyadh. The first flight cake was cut, and commemorative photos were taken, attended by the ISG senior management team, Flyadeal executives, and the flight crew.

“We are strengthening our international network with new collaborations.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Sabiha Gökçen Airport Strategic Planning and Treasury Management Director Kerem Maybek emphasized that Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Istanbul's gateway to the world, is strengthening its reach day by day, particularly to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Kerem Maybek, emphasizing the importance of the new partnership with Flyadeal, said, “At Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, we are working to connect Istanbul and its surrounding areas to various points in our country and the world easily, quickly, and comfortably. We connect Istanbul, one of the world's greatest cities with its historical and cultural heritage, unique nature, modern social life, and educational and commercial opportunities, to various global destinations through various options. Flyadeal, a Saudi Arabian airline that has attracted attention with its economical flight model, will meet significant demand in this regard with its Istanbul-Riyadh route. Riyadh, one of the rapidly developing and modernizing centers of the Middle East, is one of the most visited cities in the region, both for its business community and its cultural richness. The high demand for flights indicates strong potential for both sides. We will host our guests at our airport in the best possible way.”

High interest expected for daily flights

The new Riyadh (RUH) - Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) line is expected to contribute to the strengthening of tourism and trade between Saudi Arabia and Turkey, creating a more accessible and easier connection between the two countries. Istanbul Sabiha Airport connects to 145 destinations in 52 countries, including 106 international and 39 domestic destinations. Flyadeal's daily flights to Sabiha Gökçen will also diversify the airline's flight network with Türkiye.

Riyadh attracts attention as a dynamic metropolis

Riyadh, a hub for international investment, a hub for regional business meetings, and a dynamic metropolis boasting modern living opportunities, is among the leading centers undergoing a major cultural and tourism transformation as part of Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" project. The Kingdom Centre Tower, one of the city's iconic structures, and the impressive views from its observation deck, the historic Al Diriyah district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Masmak Fortress, and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia are among the most visited attractions by tourists visiting Riyadh. Riyadh Season, an annual series of extensive entertainment, arts, and cultural events, stands out as one of the region's most popular events.