Saudia to be first airline to operate at Red Sea International airport

The airport will open in 2023 along with the first three resorts in the destination

Red Sea Global (RSG) 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 (RSI).

RSI will open for domestic flights to and from Riyadh and later Jeddah, before expanding to handle international flights from 2024. 

Red Sea Global group CEO John Pagano said: “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.” 

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The agreement will also provide a framework for the three organisations 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 jets (eVTOL) to reduce emissions from air travel to The Red Sea will also be evaluated.

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Saudia CEO Ibrahim Koshy added: "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.” 

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.

For more information, visit www.redseaglobal.com and www.saudia.com