In a significant move to expand its network and offer a wider range of travel options, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, Saudia, has entered into a codeshare partnership with AEGEAN, the Greek national carrier. This agreement promises numerous advantages for travelers, effective from May.
The codeshare agreement between Saudia and AEGEAN brings a host of benefits, including an expanded network of destinations, streamlined reservation and ticketing processes, easier transfers, and luggage checked through to the final destination. Passengers will also benefit from a joint loyalty program, allowing them to accrue miles that can be used to enhance membership levels.
This collaboration opens up new routes for travelers. Through AEGEAN, Saudia passengers can access 156 destinations across 47 countries, including cities like Zagreb, Tirana, Santorini, and Rhodes. AEGEAN’s passengers, in turn, will gain access to domestic routes in Saudi Arabia, boosting tourism across the region.
Beyond the expanded network, this partnership introduces digital transit visa services. This convenient service, managed by Saudia in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allows global travelers a stopover of up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to promote tourism by facilitating seamless connections and offering travelers the opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
Codeshare flights are scheduled to begin on May 9th and are available for booking since the end of April through both airlines’ websites and travel agencies. The partnership aims to gradually expand the shared routes, offering even more travel options in the future.
Commenting on the partnership, Arved Von Zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia, said: “This new codeshare agreement with AEGEAN is a significant step forward in expanding our network and offering a wider range of travel options. Not only will Saudia’s guests enjoy seamless connections to exciting new destinations, but they will also benefit from convenient services like digital transit visas and a reciprocal rewards program. We are confident this collaboration will contribute to the growth of tourism in both Saudi Arabia and Greece”.
Yannis Rasoglou, Network Planning and Airline Partnerships Director AEGEAN, stated: “We are very pleased to announce the commencement of a codeshare partnership with Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. Following AEGEAN’s 10 years of presence in Saudi Arabia with flights between Athens and Riyadh, Jeddah and through this agreement we will be able to enhance the options to the increased needs of our customers and strengthen the mutual goal of increasing traffic between the two countries with direct services. AEGEAN intends to continue its investment in Saudi Arabia by the introduction of more year-round frequencies but also with upgraded aircraft from 2026 onwards”.
The Saudia-AEGEAN codeshare agreement is a testament to the commitment of both airlines to enhancing travel experiences for passengers. By working together, they aim to make air travel more convenient, accessible, and rewarding, while also promoting tourism and strengthening economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Greece.
