Riyadh Air CEO Slams Lack of Direct Flights: 'Haram. Haram. Haram!' - Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Connectivity Plans Unveiled

In a striking moment at the PIF Private Sector Forum, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas emphatically highlighted Saudi Arabia's insufficient global connectivity using the powerful words "Haram. Haram. Haram." This strong statement underscored the urgency of improving direct flight options from major cities in Saudi Arabia like Riyadh to key global destinations such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Sydney.

The Reality of Current Air Travel for Saudis

Currently, many Saudi travelers are forced to rely on foreign airlines due to the lack of direct flights. Douglas pointed out that Saudi passport holders hold top spots in premium passenger categories for airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates. Even he himself is compelled to fly with Emirates to attend international events, such as FII Miami, simply because there’s no direct route from Riyadh.

Riyadh Air's Ambitious Vision: Connecting 100 Cities by 2030

Addressing this glaring issue, Riyadh Air has set an ambitious plan in motion. By the year 2030, they aim to connect a total of 100 cities globally. This initiative is more than just an expansion; it’s a transformative step towards making Riyadh a central global gateway and reducing reliance on foreign hubs for Saudi travelers.

A Change Driven by Local Needs

Tony Douglas vowed that the mandate is now with Riyadh to rectify this situation, ensuring citizens of the Kingdom have better access to direct flights. The term "haram," which signifies something unacceptable or forbidden in Islamic teachings, was used to drive home how critical it is to address these limitations.