Wizz Air, with the Airbus A321XLR, establishes the first direct air link between London and Medina
With its Extra Long Range Single-Aisle aircraft, Wizz Air connects London and Medina non-stop for the first time, opening a key corridor for religious tourism.
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Low-cost carrier Wizz Air launched its scheduled operations between London's Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Medina last Friday, August 1. This launch marks the first-ever direct air service connecting the capital of the United Kingdom with one of Islam's holiest cities.
The flight, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes, is operated by the Airbus A321XLR, the world's longest-range single-aisle aircraft. The addition of this model to Wizz Air's fleet is the key enabler for the viability of longer routes, linking points that previously required wide-body aircraft or intermediate connections.
Prior to this inauguration, travelers from London bound for Medina had to make stopovers, typically in cities like Jeddah, the main entry point for pilgrims heading to Mecca. The new Wizz Air route offers a direct alternative that simplifies travel for the large Muslim community in the United Kingdom and other travelers interested in the region.
Which airline operates the route? Wizz Air, a low-cost carrier.
What aircraft is used? The Airbus A321XLR, designed for extra-long-range flights.
Why is this route important? It is the first direct connection between London and Medina, a key destination for Islamic pilgrimage (Umrah and Hajj).
How long is the flight? Approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.
This move by Wizz Air is part of a broader expansion strategy into the Middle East, capitalizing on the growing demand for travel to Saudi Arabia. The opening of this air corridor aligns directly with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify its economy and boost the tourism sector by facilitating access to its cultural and religious centers.
Medina, the city where the Prophet Muhammad lived after his Hijra, is a spiritual center of profound importance to millions of Muslims worldwide. The availability of a non-stop flight from a major European hub like London not only streamlines travel logistics for pilgrims but also introduces new competitive dynamics to a market traditionally served by network airlines. The use of the efficient A321XLR allows Wizz Air to maintain its low-cost structure even on a longer-haul segment.
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