Saudi Arabia’s national airline is resuming flights to Canada five years after it suspended flights following Canadian criticism of its human rights record.
Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, will fly three times a week between Jeddah and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport starting December 2.
It’s the first time there have been direct routes between the two countries since 2018, when Global Affairs Canada called on the country to “immediately release” detained women’s rights and democracy activists.
The conflict between Canada and Saudi Arabia occurred just months before the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.
Mountain views in Saudi Arabia. (photo via Matthew Starling/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
As well as suspending flights, Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador from Ottawa and expelled Canada’s envoy. It also restricted the number of its citizens studying in Canada.
After years of largely restricting visas to those travelling for religious or business purposes, Saudi Arabia has put a focus on trying to grow its tourism economy. In May, Canada and Saudi Arabia agreed to welcome new ambassadors, signalling a reduction in diplomatic tensions.