Wizz Air is launching a new non-stop flight from the UK to a popular Saudi Arabian city.

The budget airlines recently announced that it will begin daily return flights from London Gatwick Airport to Medina.Medina (Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah) is one of the holiest cities in Islam, located in western Saudi Arabia.

It is second only to Mecca in religious significance and serves as a major destination for Muslim pilgrims, particularly during Hajj and Umrah. At present, to visit Medina, travellers have to take a connecting flight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, or Istanbul, Turkey.

The entire journey can take up to 11 hours.

The budget airline is set to introduce a new Airbus model, the A321XLR, featuring enhanced fuel capacity and an extended maximum flight time of up to 11 hours.

Flights from Gatwick to Medina will have an approximate duration of seven hours, with one-way fares starting at £233.99.

Tickets are available for purchase on the airline’s website and mobile app.

Marion Geoffroy, managing director of Wizz Air UK, said the new route is “an important milestone for the airline, as we continue to widen our network from the UK beyond Europe”.

She added: “We strive to make flying as accessible as possible, and this new direct route will give thousands of travellers a chance to connect with a city rich in culture and history for an affordable price.”

Wizz Air operates an extensive network across the Middle East, with nearly 100 routes in the region, including a hub in Abu Dhabi.