Saudi Arabian Airlines is set to launch direct flights from Jeddah to Manchester on April 1, said a report.

It will fly three times weekly, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, deploying Boeing B777-300ER aircraft, said the Arab News report.

The Machester route was part of the airline’s new plan to expand its international network particulary with regard to European destinations, assistant director general of public relations for Saudia Abdullah bin Mushabib Al-Ajharf was quoted as saying.

The strong relations and the growing number of passengers and businessmen between Saudi Arabia and the UK were the major contributory factors for the increasing number of flights operated by Saudia, he said.

These flights will also serve the increasing Muslims and Arabs who wish to perform Haj and Umrah; and the scholarship students from Saudi Arabia who study in British universities and institutes.