Red Sea International Airport Takes Flight: A New Gateway to Saudi Tourism
In a historic moment, the Red Sea International Airport (RSIA) marked its official inauguration with the landing of the first Saudia flight on Thursday. This significant development is set to transform the landscape of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. The Red Sea Global, the visionary developer behind transformative tourism projects such as The Red Sea and AMAALA, revealed that flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh will now connect the two destinations every Thursday and Saturday, completing the journey in under two hours.
John Pagano, the Group CEO of Red Sea Global, expressed his excitement, stating, “We promised to make TRS a place where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature. Now, with the first flight touching down at RSIA, and our first resorts receiving bookings, Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map is all but secured.”
As of today, flights will depart from Riyadh every Thursday at 10:50 a.m., returning to the capital after a brief 165-minute journey. Additionally, there will be a Saturday flight departing from Riyadh at 12:50 p.m., with the return flight scheduled for 15:35 p.m. from RSIA.
The strategic location of the Red Sea International Airport, within an eight-hour flight from 85 percent of the world’s population, positions it as a crucial hub for international travelers. It is anticipated that RSIA will expand its services to include international flights starting next year as additional phase one resorts open their doors.
RSIA’s operations are overseen by daa International, which has been closely involved with the airport’s design validation and commissioning since 2020. With the arrival of RSIA’s first commercial flight, daa International’s operational responsibilities have officially commenced.
In conjunction with the airport’s opening, Red Sea Global unveiled RSIA’s new brand identity, which will be showcased across various touchpoints, including the airport terminal, staff uniforms, and the electric mobility vehicles designed to transport passengers within the airport premises. John Pagano emphasized the importance of the brand, stating, “RSIA is the gateway to TRS destination. It is the first impression visitors have, and their parting memory when they leave. The brand echoes the qualities of the five-star hospitality guests will enjoy across the destination.”
The brand icon itself is a reflection of RSIA’s unique architecture, drawing inspiration from an aerial view of the airport’s exterior. The design embodies creativity, novelty, and sophistication while maintaining a contemporary and distinctive appearance.
Red Sea Global also highlighted significant progress made in various infrastructure projects, ensuring that TRS is fully prepared to welcome visitors and fulfill its promises for an unforgettable travel experience.
The opening of the Red Sea International Airport signifies a monumental leap forward in Saudi Arabia’s vision for tourism and economic diversification. With convenient air travel connections, world-class resorts, and a commitment to excellence, the Red Sea region is poised to become a premier destination on the global tourism stage, attracting visitors from far and wide. The journey has begun, and the world eagerly anticipates the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the Red Sea International Airport and the transformative projects it serves.
