SAUDIA will be the first airline to operate in and out of Saudia Arabia’s new Red Sea International Airport (RSI)
The airport is due to open in 2023 and will eventually serve tourists that arrive for holidays and experiences at Saudia Arabia’s new holiday megahub which is part of the Vision 2030 investment.
On September 12, 2023, the national flag carrier, Red Sea Global (RSG), the company behind the mega-development, and daa International announced they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for SAUDIA passengers to be the first to use the new airport.
“The Red Sea” and “Amaala” are two of the tourist and property developments currently being built by RSG that will welcome thousands of guests in the future who arrive at the new airport.
Along with Red Sea Airport, the first three resorts at The Red Sea destination are due to open this year.
Initially it will open for domestic flights to and from Riyadh and later Jeddah, before expanding to handle international flights from 2024.
“When the first commercial flight lands at Red Sea International, it won’t just be a point of personal pride for Red Sea Global. It will be a milestone moment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in making that vision a reality. It is fitting, therefore, that the Kingdom’s flag carrier, SAUDIA, will be first to operate from our destination,” John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, said.
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 (LCAF) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Red Sea International Airport.
The use of electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) jets to reduce emissions from air travel to The Red Sea will also be evaluated.
“This agreement will strengthen our position in the Kingdom and allow us to collaborate with RSG and daa International to boost tourism and enhance the country’s standing within international aviation,” Capt. Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, said.
The agreement expands on daa International’s existing relationship with RSG as the operator of its international airport.
daa will continue to manage the airport and work with SAUDIA on various activities, such as the allocation of airport gates and counters.
Three resorts at The Red Sea will open this year along with the first phase of the Red Sea International Airport.
A further 13 hotels will open as part of phase one, and upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.
The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.