SAUDIA Will Become First Airline to Operate From Red Sea Intl Airport

Red Sea Global, the multi-project developer behind Saudi destinations The Red Sea and Amaala, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and daa International, the operator of Red Sea International (RSI) Airport, that will see SAUDIA become the first airline to operate in and out of the Red Sea International airport. The agreement expands on daa International’s existing relationship with RSG as the operator of its international airport.

Red Sea International Airport is on track to open in 2023 along with the first three resorts at The Red Sea. Initially, the airport will open for domestic flights to and from Riyadh and later Jeddah, before expanding to handle international flights starting 2024.

The agreement will see SAUDIA commence regular scheduled services to and from RSI. It also provides a framework for the three organizations to undertake joint research on the use of Lower Carbon Aviation Fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Red Sea International Airport.

"Today’s agreement marks a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s aviation history,” Capt. Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, tells SceneTraveller. “As wings of Vision 2030, SAUDIA’s contribution is to be an enabler in attaining giga projects targets, and our involvement as the first airline to operate from and to Red Sea International airport is a source of pride for us all.”

A further 13 hotels will open as part of the first phase of The Red Sea, and upon full completion in 2030, the destination will include 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The Red Sea will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.