Saudia And Garuda Indonesia Partner To Enhance Travel Through Greater Network Integration

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, and Garuda Indonesia have signed a Joint Business Framework Agreement, marking the next phase of their strategic partnership and paving the way for greater network integration and an enhanced travel experience across their respective markets.

In the presence of H.E. Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amoudi, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Indonesia, the agreement was signed by H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, and Mr. Glenny Kairupan, President and CEO of Garuda Indonesia. 

The agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) announced in July 2026 and reflects the continued progress of the partnership. With the Joint Business Framework Agreement now signed, the two airlines will officially begin the regulatory approval process and proceed with the development of the remaining agreements required ahead of the planned launch of the Joint Business in 2027.

The planned Joint Business will create a broader travel corridor connecting Indonesia and Australia with Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Together, the airlines’ networks currently provide access to more than 120 destinations across these markets, with further potential to expand connectivity through new routes and direct flights to additional destinations.

The partnership is expected to provide guests with greater flexibility through full fare combinability and joint commercial initiatives, while enhancing the travel experience through closer cooperation across frequent flyer programs, technology and airport services. The partnership places particular importance on Hajj and Umrah travel from Indonesia, with both airlines working to further enhance connectivity and the overall journey for Indonesian pilgrims and Umrah guests travelling to the Kingdom.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “The signing of this agreement marks an important step forward in our partnership with Garuda Indonesia. By bringing together the strength and reach of our networks, we are creating broader opportunities for travel across more than 120 destinations spanning Indonesia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Al-Omar continued: “As we expand this connectivity, our focus is also on making the travel experience between our networks easier and more seamless, particularly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims travelling from Indonesia to the Kingdom.”

Glenny Kairupan, Garuda Indonesia President Director & CEO, said “This agreement marks an important step in the continued development of our partnership with Saudia. Garuda Indonesia’s extensive domestic & Australia network provides a strong platform to connect more of Indonesia with key international markets, while Saudia’s global reach opens broader access across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. We see this partnership not only as going beyond connectivity but it is also about combining the strengths of our respective networks and commercial capabilities to offer customers greater choice, better access and a more seamless travel experience”.

He added, “As we move towards a Joint Business, closer alignment across network planning, commercial activities and key customer touchpoints including opportunities for terminal co-location will enable both airlines to strengthen both respective market presence, deliver greater value to customers and support sustainable long-term growth.”