Red Sea Global, the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala, is celebrating the first flight to the new Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The inaugural flight touched down on the new runway on 21 September, beginning a new twice-weekly service from Riyadh. Next year, the airport will start welcoming international flights.
The Saudia flight takes under two hours and departs from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh every Thursday and Saturday before returning to the kingdom’s capital.
“We promised to make The Red Sea a place where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature,” said John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global.
“Now, with the first flight touching down at Red Sea International Airport, and our first resorts receiving bookings, Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map is all but secured.”
Red Sea International Airport, which is operated by daa International, is “the gateway to The Red Sea destination”, said Pagano.
“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.”
In a press release, Red Sea Global also said it has made progress on other infrastructure works, including the construction of five solar farms to power The Red Sea’s first phase.
The Read Sea hotels to open this year
Upon completion in 2030, the destination will have 50 resorts with up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.
The Red Sea will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment and leisure experiences, and F&B facilities.
This week, Red Sea Global announced a partnership with British adventurer and TV presenter Bear Grylls to bring his adventure and survival brand to Saudi Arabia.
Images courtesy of Red Sea Global
