RIYADH, 25 June 2004 — Poor passenger numbers on indirect flights heading to Austria have shelved plans by Austrian Airlines to restore a non-stop air link between Riyadh and Vienna despite the signing of a direct air transport agreement by the two nations recently. The absence of these flights are hampering business and tourism plans according to many public and private sector organizations, which are interested in boosting ties between the two countries.
Dr. Friedrich Stift, the newly-appointed Austrian ambassador, said here on Wednesday that Austrian Airlines stopped flying to Riyadh and Dammam in Autumn 1995. “Since then, Austrian Airlines several times examined if it would be profitable to restart the flights, but the latest feasibility study indicated that the business would not be enough to turn a profit on the Riyadh-Vienna sector,” said Ambassador Stift. “Austria, on the other hand, would welcome it if Saudia started flying to Vienna,” he said.
“Direct air links would boost bilateral exchanges in all fields, especially in commerce and tourism,” said the diplomat. “I personally regret that there are no direct flights and hope that this situation will change in near future,” he added. The Austrian Embassy issues nearly 35,000 visas to Saudis and expatriates annually. At present, anyone leaving the Kingdom bound for Austrian destinations must travel via a third country.
Referring to the growing links between Riyadh and Vienna, Dr. Stift said that the relations have been cordial since diplomatic ties were established in 1957. “There are frequent exchanges of high level visits between our two countries,” said the diplomat adding that Austrian President, Dr. Thomas Klestil, paid a state visit to the Kingdom in Oct. 2001. “A highlight in our relationship was the successful state visit of Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, to Vienna in April 2004,” said the ambassador.
He said that the two countries have also renewed their pledge to fight terrorism. Dr. Stift said, “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Saudi government on the recent success in detaining or killing some of the most wanted terrorists including their leader.”
“With reference to Iraq and the Middle East, our views are almost identical,” said the diplomat. He said that Saudi Arabia and Austria have underlined the vital role of the UN concerning the situation in Iraq. “The establishment of an interim government and the handover of sovereignty on June 30 are positive steps in the right direction,” he said.
On the commercial front, Dr. Stift said that Riyadh and Vienna have forged closer relations.
He pointed out that two other pipelines will run form Ras Alzor Desalination and Power Plant (about 100 km north of Al Jubail) to Riyadh. The length of the pipelines will be about 375 km. The Jubail-Qatif and Dammam Water Transmission System will be connected under this project.
Additionally, an Austrian Company Rosenbauer, which has an excellent reputation globally in constructing fire fighting trucks and equipment, has signed contracts in the Kingdom for the delivery of 379 fire fighting trucks and equipment for 9000 fire fighters.
