Greece Expands Aviation Access With New Route Synergies As Aegean Airlines And Saudia Deepen Cooperation Through A Broader Codeshare Framework

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Greece is advancing its role as a key aviation connector between Europe and the Middle East through the expanded codeshare partnership between Aegean Airlines and Saudia. Effective from the end of June 2025, the enhanced agreement introduces new international routes between Jeddah and Heraklion, and Riyadh and Dammam, operated by Saudia under Aegean’s code. At the same time, Aegean will operate domestic Greek routes—Athens to Heraklion and Athens to Thessaloniki—on behalf of Saudia. This bilateral expansion strengthens cross-border air links, supports tourism and business travel, and enhances seamless connectivity between two growing regional markets.

Aegean Airlines and Saudia Expand Codeshare Routes Between Greece and Saudi Arabia

Aegean Airlines is set to significantly expand its codeshare agreement with Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, introducing a broader range of services that include both international and domestic routes. The enhanced agreement, which takes effect at the end of June 2025, reflects a coordinated effort to deepen air connectivity between Greece and Saudi Arabia, catering to growing demand in tourism, business, and religious travel.

Under the expanded arrangement, new international routes will be introduced with codeshare operations between the two carriers. Passengers will be able to book flights under Aegean’s code on Saudia-operated services connecting Jeddah with Heraklion, as well as Riyadh with Dammam. These routes are designed to improve access for travelers between the Gulf and Greek regions, especially as both countries continue to grow in popularity among tourists and business professionals.

The Jeddah to Heraklion service offers travelers from Saudi Arabia direct access to Crete, one of Greece’s most visited islands known for its historical significance, scenic coastline, and vibrant local culture. Similarly, the Riyadh to Dammam connection facilitates increased intra-Saudi mobility and supports regional business travel and family visitation between two major cities in the Kingdom.

In addition to the international links, Aegean Airlines will also be operating two domestic routes in Greece under the Saudia code. Flights from Athens to Heraklion and from Athens to Thessaloniki will be marketed as Saudia flights, thereby enabling seamless travel experiences for passengers originating from Saudi Arabia who are connecting onward to domestic destinations within Greece. This integration allows for coordinated ticketing, checked-through baggage, and better schedule alignment.

This extended codeshare agreement is part of a wider strategy by both airlines to strengthen bilateral aviation ties and improve network efficiencies. The cooperation leverages the respective strengths of each carrier: Saudia’s extensive reach across the Middle East and North Africa, and Aegean’s robust European and Mediterranean presence.

For travelers, the benefits are tangible. Through this partnership, passengers gain access to a wider selection of destinations with simplified booking and coordinated customer service across both airlines. Frequent flyer members also typically enjoy reciprocal benefits, such as mileage accrual and elite status recognition, depending on the agreement terms.

The collaboration also enhances airline competitiveness at a time when global aviation is seeing a resurgence in demand following years of pandemic-related disruptions. Greece has seen record tourism numbers in recent years, and the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, have emerged as growing travel markets, partly due to large-scale investments in tourism infrastructure and increasing outbound travel.

By linking cities such as Heraklion, Thessaloniki, Jeddah, and Riyadh more effectively, Aegean and Saudia are positioning themselves to capture a share of both leisure and business traffic. These routes are particularly well-timed as Saudi Arabia continues to promote its Vision 2030 initiative, which includes transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism and logistics hub.

This cooperation also reflects broader trends in international aviation, where strategic alliances, joint ventures, and codeshare arrangements play a key role in expanding network access without requiring additional fleet or operational expenditure. For smaller and mid-sized carriers, especially those focused on regional strengths, such agreements are an efficient way to remain competitive against larger global airline groups.

While the current expansion includes four specific routes, industry analysts suggest this may pave the way for further cooperation, potentially adding more destinations in both countries or even aligning schedules for long-haul connections beyond Europe and the Middle East.

Greece has expanded its aviation footprint through a strengthened codeshare agreement between Aegean Airlines and Saudia, unlocking new routes between major cities in Greece and Saudi Arabia. The enhanced deal boosts cross-regional connectivity and supports seamless travel across Europe and the Middle East.

Overall, the expanded codeshare between Aegean Airlines and Saudia not only reinforces existing ties between Greece and Saudi Arabia but also demonstrates the growing importance of flexible partnerships in modern aviation. As passenger expectations shift toward convenience and seamlessness, such alliances become essential tools in delivering a more connected global travel experience.