Red Sea Global unveils upgraded Amaala airport gateway

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Red Sea Global (RSG) has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport (EJH), creating an expanded gateway for travellers visiting Amaala and Saudi Arabia’s northwestern Red Sea coast.

The upgraded airport has commenced operations and is currently served by three weekly Saudia flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and two weekly services from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). International services are also expected to begin soon.

Following the renovation, annual passenger capacity has increased fivefold, from 100,000 to 500,000 travellers, while peak throughput has risen to 330 arriving and departing passengers per hour across four gates. The airport can now accommodate larger commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft, alongside seaplanes and helicopters.

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The revamped terminal features two premium lounges, coffee shops, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental facilities and expanded parking.

John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, said: “This project is about far more than an airport terminal. It’s about creating a gateway that connects people, supports economic growth and opens new opportunities for communities across the region.”

The upgrade marks the first infrastructure asset delivered by RSG under its expanded mandate beyond destination development. Located around a 45-minute drive and a 20-minute seaplane journey from Amaala, the facility will serve as a key gateway to the luxury wellness destination, which is set to welcome its first guests in the coming months.

Amaala Yacht Club

Amaala is expected to feature more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels powered entirely by renewable energy and operating with a zero-carbon footprint. The destination is targeting a 30% net conservation benefit for local ecosystems by 2040, while annual visitor numbers will be capped at 500,000 to support environmental preservation efforts.

Planned hospitality and residential brands at Amaala include Clinique La Prairie, Equinox, Six Senses, Four Seasons, Rosewood, Nammos and Jayasom, which is set to open its first resort at the destination later in 2026. Corallium, a marine life institute and visitor attraction focused on regenerative tourism, will also form part of the development, while Amaala Yacht Club is scheduled to host the finale of The Ocean Race, a global yacht competition, in 2027.

Amaala was recently recognised by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) among the world’s leading wellness-focused developments for its regenerative tourism approach, renewable energy infrastructure, workforce wellbeing initiatives and nature-led design.

The kingdom’s continued investment in the Red Sea region comes as Saudi’s travel and tourism sector contributed US$178 billion to the economy in 2025 after growing 7.4%, according to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

For more information, visit www.rsiairport.sa