By Bahattin Gonultas and Tuba Sahin

ANKARA

Saudi Arabia's national flag-carrier Saudia made its first direct flight from Jeddah to the Turkish capital Ankara on Friday.

Ankara became the airline’s second direct-flight Turkish destination from Saudi Arabia when a Saudia Airbus A330 touched down at Esenboga Airport with 100 passengers at around 1.30 p.m. (1030GMT) local time.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the occasion, Sultan Mandeel Dowaihy, CEO of Saudia, said ties between Saudi Arabia and Turkey had unified in recent years.

"Relations between the two countries have become effective and strong. As Saudia, we have increased our flights and seats to Turkey in line with these developments," he added.

Dowaihy said they were also committed to providing better services for Turkish pilgrims visiting the holy city of Mecca on Hajj.

“We are connected to 37 domestic destinations as well as 28 international destinations at 17 countries with direct flights," said Nuray Demirer, general manager of Esenboga airport operator, TAV.

"Saudia Airlines has been launching charter flights from Esenboga Airport to Jeddah and Medina during Hajj and Umrah seasons. We are glad that scheduled, direct and reciprocal flights to these destinations have been inaugurated," Demirer said.

Saudia's direct two-way flights from Ankara to Jeddah operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Direct flights between Ankara and Medina will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Esenboga Airport hosted approximately 12.3 million passengers and 88,000 flights last year.