Red Sea Global celebrates a landmark aviation milestone. First direct European link strengthens Saudi tourism growth
Red Sea Global has marked a major milestone with the arrival of the first direct flight from Europe to Red Sea International Airport. The inaugural service, operated by beOnd, the world’s first premium leisure airline, arrived from Milan on 12 November. The launch represents a significant advancement for the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions under Vision 2030.
The new flight route creates a seamless connection between Europe and the Saudi Red Sea coast. It opens direct access to The Red Sea and AMAALA, the country’s flagship luxury and regenerative tourism destinations. Travellers will experience beOnd’s signature premium service together with the airport’s world-class design that is shaped by innovation and sensitivity to its natural environment.
The announcement was highlighted during a signing ceremony held at the TOURISE Global Tourism Summit in Riyadh. The event showcased the combined effort of the partners who have supported this step forward in the development of luxury travel in the region.
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, said: “The launch of this direct route from Milan marks a defining moment for Red Sea Global and our destinations. It not only strengthens our connection with Europe but also reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering extraordinary, luxury experiences. Together with our partners at beOnd, we are opening a new gateway to the Saudi Red Sea coast, ushering in the next chapter of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 journey.”
Red Sea International Airport, operated by daa International, serves as the primary gateway to the Red Sea and AMAALA. Both destinations have been developed with sustainability at their core and are central to the Kingdom’s target of attracting one hundred and fifty million visitors by 2030. Tourism’s contribution to national GDP has already risen from three per cent to seven per cent since Vision 2030 began.
Tero Taskila, CEO and Chairman of beOnd, said: “We’re proud to be the first airline connecting Milan directly to The Red Sea and AMAALA, destinations that perfectly align with beOnd’s vision for premium leisure travel. This route offers an elevated journey to an extraordinary destination. We’re grateful to the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia and Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile in Italy for their support in making this route possible. We also want to thank Saudi Tourism Authority, Saudi Air Connectivity Program, Red Sea International Airport and SEA Milan Airports for their continued support and for paving the way to help us add Red Sea International Airport to our growing network.”
The twice-weekly flights will be operated using beOnd’s A320 family aircraft with an all lie flat seating configuration, tailored for premium leisure travellers.
Andrew Tyler Smith, CEO of Red Sea International Airport, said: “We are thrilled to welcome beOnd as the first airline offering direct service from Europe to The Red Sea and AMAALA. As we expand Red Sea International Airport’s growing network, we are honoured to have strategic airline partners such as beOnd be a part of our journey in welcoming travellers from across the globe to discover the Saudi Red Sea coast.”
The destinations of The Red Sea and AMAALA are powered entirely by renewable energy. They reflect Red Sea Global’s long-term vision for sustainable and regenerative tourism. Both destinations aim to create a thirty per cent net conservation benefit to their local ecosystems by 2040.
The Red Sea destination now features nine luxury hotels that are open to guests, along with Thuwal Private Retreat near Jeddah. This week, Red Sea Global also announced the launch of AMAALA Triple Ba,y which will introduce six luxury resorts along with a yacht club, marine life institute, marina and a vibrant Marina Village in the coming weeks.
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