SAUDIA airlines has announced a twice weekly service from Manchester Airport to Riyadh.

Launching on the 23 June, it complements the current offer of five flights a week to Jeddah. Passengers can now fly direct to Saudi Arabia seven days a week.

The flight is scheduled to depart Mondays and Fridays.

The route will operate direct to the capital on Saudia’s state of the art Dreamliner with its 24 business class seats and 274 in economy.

It will offer passengers the chance to connect onto the airline’s extensive network of Middle Eastern and Asian services Saudia Manager for the UK, Fikry Altowayan said, “We are excited with this newest addition to Saudia’s growing 83 destinations.

"We renew our commitment to our passengers by providing easy access, comfort, competitive pricing and convenient travel to the capital as well as more options in flying to further destination either via Jeddah or Riyadh.

"Manchester Airport is ideally situated to serve as Saudia’s gateway to cater to our guests from the North.”

Stephen Turner, Commercial Director for Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see Saudia increasing their presence at Manchester Airport.   "The new flights to Riyadh will offer business and leisure passengers alike direct access to the Saudi capital as well as fantastic onward connections and I’m sure they’ll prove hugely popular.”