Travellers from the UK will soon be able to fly directly to Medina, Saudi Arabia, as Wizz Air announces the launch of the first-ever non-stop flight on this route.
The budget airline has confirmed that it will operate daily return flights between London Gatwick Airport and Medina, a city of deep religious and historical significance in Islam.
New Direct Route to Cut Travel Time
Currently, passengers flying from the UK to Medina must take a connecting flight, typically stopping in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, or Istanbul, Turkey. This can extend travel time to as long as 11 hours.
With the introduction of Wizz Air’s new A321XLR aircraft, which boasts enhanced fuel capacity and a maximum flying time of up to 11 hours, the direct flight from Gatwick to Medina will take just seven hours.
One-way tickets are available for £233.99, and bookings can be made through Wizz Air’s website and app. However, passengers should note that seats on the flight will not recline.
Wizz Air Expands Beyond Europe
Marion Geoffroy, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, described the new route as an “important milestone” for the airline, emphasizing its commitment to expanding beyond Europe.
“We strive to make flying as accessible as possible,” she said, adding that this new direct flight will enable thousands of travellers to visit Medina at an affordable price.
Medina’s Historical and Religious Significance
As one of Islam’s holiest cities, Medina is home to the Prophet’s Mosque, which holds the burial site of Prophet Muhammad.
The mosque, originally built by the Prophet in 622 CE, is a landmark of spiritual and historical importance.
Other key attractions include:
- Quba Mosque – The first mosque ever built in Islamic history.
- Uhud Mountain – Site of the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), significant in Islamic history.
- Al-Madina Museum – Features artefacts and exhibitions showcasing Medina’s early role in Islam.
- King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex – Allows visitors to see Quranic texts being produced.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Tourism Growth
Wizz Air already operates nearly 100 routes across the Middle East, including a base in Abu Dhabi.
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a central global tourism hub, with ambitious projects such as ‘Dream of the Desert’, the first five-star rail service in the region, which runs through the Arabian desert. The country is also preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
This new direct flight is expected to enhance tourism and connectivity, making Medina more accessible than ever for UK travellers.
