We’re hopping on a Saudia flight to Cairo from Jeddah. This flight marks a major shift as we officially leave Asia behind. Saudi Arabia is getting a lot of global attention right now—not just for tourism but also for its ambitious plans to expand its airline industry and upgrade its infrastructure.
Saudia Little History Lesson
Saudia’s story actually started in 1945 when King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud received a DC-3 from U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. That gift turned into the foundation of Saudi Arabia’s national airline, which was initially managed by TWA. Over the years, Saudia has gone through name and branding changes, often switching between “Saudi Arabian Airlines” and “Saudia.” Even their livery has gone full circle, with the most recent update bringing back a design from the 1970s.
But the one thing that’s definitely not from the 70s? This ultra-modern airport terminal, which opened in 2018.
Welcome to King Abdulaziz International Airport
Jeddah’s main airport is named after the same king who received that first DC-3, and it’s currently the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia. And let me tell you—this check-in hall? Stunning. The color scheme might be a little dull, but the scale, the lighting, and the overall vibe are impressive.
Right now, all regular operations are centralized in Terminal 1, but there’s also the massive Hajj Terminal, designed to handle the enormous influx of pilgrims each year. That terminal alone can accommodate 80,000 passengers at a time!
And Saudi Arabia isn’t slowing down anytime soon. There’s already a plan in motion to build a fourth runway and Terminal 2, all part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan. When completed in 2031, the airport’s capacity will triple, reaching 120 million passengers per year.
Saudia Checking In and Heading to Departures
Check-in was smooth, quick, and friendly—pretty much the theme of my recent flights. To get to the international departures area, I had to take a short underground train ride. And if you’re wondering why Jeddah needs such a massive airport expansion, well, Riyadh is a big part of that story.
By 2030, Riyadh Air will be up and running, and Saudia plans to completely shift its operations away from the capital. That means a huge chunk of flights will be moving to Jeddah, making this city an even bigger aviation hub.
Right now, Saudia operates 157 aircraft with another 131 on order. They fly to 134 destinations across 47 countries, including 29 cities within Saudi Arabia. So yeah, the airline is growing fast.
Jeddah Airport Experience & Lounge Stop
Jeddah’s airport is currently undergoing some renovations, mainly adding more shops and restaurants—definitely a needed improvement. But today, I headed to the Plaza Premium Lounge before my flight. It’s small and a little basic, but it had decent food and drinks, plus a comfortable spot to get some work done.
Our flight today is on an Airbus A330-300, an 8-year-old aircraft frequently used for regional and long-haul flights. Cairo is Jeddah’s busiest international route, with over 30 flights per day. That’s a lot of traffic between these two cities.
Saudia Boarding and Seat Selection
Boarding started right on time, and one of the perks of having SkyTeam Elite status is free seat selection. Without status, my bulkhead seat would have cost around $41.60—but with my status? Free. And who doesn’t love free?
The bulkhead seat also meant unlimited legroom, which is always a win. The seats were solid, with adjustable headrests, entertainment screens (which had to be stowed for takeoff), and overhead air vents—something I always appreciate.
Saudia Top-Tier Service
Now, let’s talk about service. This was hands down one of the best crews I’ve flown with in a while. Friendly, professional, and genuinely happy to be there. It makes such a difference when the crew enjoys their jobs, and it showed on this flight.
Short-haul flights to Cairo might not be the most exciting routes for the crew, but they handled it like a long-haul premium flight. I’ve had consistently great service with Saudia, and this flight was no exception.
Saudia In-Flight Experience & Meal Service
Entertainment was decent—maybe not the widest selection of movies, but still plenty to keep you entertained. The airline even provides some surprisingly stylish earbuds.
Soon after takeoff, the crew came around offering water, carrying large bottles instead of using a cart. At first, I thought that might mean no meal service, but I was wrong. Since it was Ramadan, meal service was done differently—no carts, just a personal touch as they asked each passenger if they wanted to eat.
The meal itself? Delicious. I had vegetable biryani, hummus, pita, and a chocolate mousse. Sounds like a carb overload, but trust me, it was so good. Saudia really knows how to do rice dishes well.
Cleanest Airplane Bathrooms?
Another standout? The cleanliness of the onboard bathrooms. I’m talking JAL-level spotless. It’s not often I feel the need to mention airplane bathrooms in detail, but these were that good.
Scenic Approach to Cairo
As we approached Cairo, we got a fantastic bird’s-eye view of the Sinai Peninsula. But the real highlight? Our flight path took us in a wide loop over the city, giving us 15 minutes of uninterrupted pyramid views.
Seriously—if you ever fly into Cairo, grab a window seat on the right side of the plane. The sight of the pyramids, surrounded by desert, is breathtaking.
I know Saudia might not be everyone’s first choice, and years ago, I’d probably have agreed. But they’ve really stepped up their game. The service, food, and overall experience have improved so much, and they no longer feel like a budget carrier. So, if you’re considering flying with Saudia, I’d say go for it.