MEZIESBLOG

Wizz Air is launching the UK’s only non-stop flights to the Saudi Arabian city of Medina.

The budget airline announced it will begin daily return flights between Gatwick Airport and Medina from 1 August, with single fares are available from £233.99.

Medina, which only opened to non-Muslim travellers in 2023, is one of the oldest and most important places in Islamic history, considered to be one of the three key cities alongside Mecca and Jerusalem.

The Prophet’s Mosque in the heart of the city serves as the burial site of Muhammad and is a major site of pilgrimage.

At present, travellers wanting to fly between the UK and Medina must take connecting flights.

Marion Geoffroy, managing director of Wizz Air UK, said the announcement of the Gatwick-Medina route is “an important milestone for the airline”.

She added: “This new direct route will give thousands of travellers the chance to connect with a city rich in culture and history, for an affordable price.”