BUDAPEST-BASED Wizz Air yesterday announced it was looking into expanding its operations into Saudi Arabia.

The low-cost carrier said it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi ministry of investment to support the development of the country's tourism sector.

The deal is part of Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision to diversify its economy and ramp up public service sectors.

To boost travel and tourism, the government pledged to treble passenger traffic by 2030.

Commenting on the announcement, travel expert Rob Staines said: "This is exciting news."

"Much of Saudi Arabia is underserved with a distinct lack of low-cost carriers flying from Europe. This will open up inspiring new destinations and regions, offering greater choice for leisure and business travellers, creating new jobs and boosting economies," he continued.

Already flying on extra-EU routes such as Israel, Morocco and Turkey, Wizz Air made the headlines in February when it expanded its operations west, applying for a cargo licence in the US.

(c) 2022 City A.M., source Newspaper