More Heathrow to Saudi flights for bmi

Heathrow airport's second biggest airline, bmi, says it plans to increase flights to the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.

Following talks between the governments of the UK and Saudi Arabia, the number of weekly flights permitted between the two countries has been increased to 35.

“We congratulate the UK and Saudi Arabian governments in creating a more open market between the two countries and we are well placed and eager to take full advantage of the agreement," says bmi chief executive officer, Nigel Turner.

The airline launched its first route to Saudi Arabia in September 2005, serving the capital city of Riyadh. Flights to Jeddah followed in May 2006, and this year in March new flights were added to the city of Dammam. Due to high demand from business travellers, the number of business seats was expanded in April 2006 and lie flat beds were introduced in September 2007.

“bmi has amassed a considerable amount of experience and expertise since we took over services from Heathrow to the Kingdom when they were abandoned by British Airways in 2005. We have committed significant investment in developing our sales and marketing and operational presence in Saudi Arabia and the ability to increase our services presents us with an ideal opportunity," comments Turner.

"We expect to be able to make an announcement shortly about improvements we will now be able to make to our schedules to Saudi Arabia from Heathrow,” Turner adds.

Written by: Nick Purdom