Saudia and Gatwick

Jeddah is a new destination from Gatwick.

The service is now operating six times per week, increasing to daily from August.

Figures revealed by the airport show that 17% of all Sussex, Surrey and Kent exports go to Saudia Arabia – more than any other destination.

Key export items include manufacturing and engineering goods, bio-life sciences, and pharmaceutical goods.  

These trade volumes – and the jobs they support – will be further boosted by this new route, with the majority of cargo at Gatwick being transported in the belly of long-haul passenger flights.  

The airport points out that cargo volumes are also set to more than double if Gatwick’s Northern Runway is brought into routine use – further supporting local businesses and jobs.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick said: “At London Gatwick, we continue to provide new global routes that support jobs, trade and opportunities for people and businesses across the South East.  

“With Saudia’s base in Jeddah, this new route also provides excellent onward connections to destinations such as Pakistan, Malaysia, India and Bangladesh.”

Ana Christie, Chief Executive, Sussex Chamber of Commerce said: “Sussex Chamber is delighted to hear that Gatwick is expanding its routes to Saudi Arabia. This is one of the largest export markets for Sussex businesses, who export a multitude of manufacturing and engineering goods, as well as bio-life sciences and pharmaceutical items. Sussex Chamber provides essential trade documentation for hundreds of businesses, the majority of which export to the Middle East.

“This new route at London Gatwick will allow businesses to expand business relations, explore new opportunities in Saudi Arabia and help attract inward investment back into the area, which will lead to economic growth.”

The airport currently serves 45 long-haul destinations with further new long-haul routes across the USA, Asia and Africa due to start in coming months.  

Gatwick is preparing a planning application to bring the airport’s northern runway into regular use, for departures only, alongside its main runway. The airport says that this low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the regional economy by supporting trade, tourism, and new jobs. 

www.saudia.com

www.gatwickairport.com

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