By Balqis Al-Jabri
Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabian Airlines CEO Khaled Almolhem has denied rumors of reductions in the scheduled and Umrah flights to Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt and said the airline is determined to maintain its planned operations to these stations.

“These flights were previously planned concerning the type of aircraft and the onboard services, in line with the directives of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, aimed at extending consummate services to the guests of God,” he said.

In a meeting with the airlines executives, Almolhem discussed the company’s summer plans and strategies. This summer, the season will cover a period of 96 days from June 4 to Aug. 19, during which Saudia will increase its flights from the Kingdom’s four major airports of Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah by 20-30 percent.

The airline will run additional flights to London, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai to cater to the increasing demand. It will also bolster its Umrah flights from Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan and India.

Saudia will increase its airport staff to accommodate the increased number of passengers expected to fly and assist them in every manner possible.

The total expected number of flights during summer was put at 32,700.