At a ceremony at Red Sea International Airport (RSI), Red Sea Global (RSG) and Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s emerging national carrier, signed a strategic memorandum that aims to elevate Saudi tourism on the world stage. The agreement signals both brand synergy and future flight connectivity to luxury destinations like The Red Sea and Amaala.
RSG’s CEO, John Pagano, described the collaboration as “first and foremost about storytelling,” bringing together the narratives of sustainable resort experiences and premium air travel. Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, added that the deal paves the way for “integrated travel experiences that bring the promise of regenerative tourism closer to global travelers.”
Riyadh Air takes flight
Riyadh Air is poised to commence commercial operations later this year, following a robust preparatory phase. The carrier secured its Air Operator Certificate in April 2025 and received its first leased Boeing 787-9 as a training asset. While initial plans were slowed due to aircraft delivery delays from Boeing, the airline remains set to launch its inaugural routes by late 2025.
The airline’s flagship route is expected to link Riyadh with London Heathrow this October, optimised to serve premium business and leisure clientele. Riyadh Air aims to serve over 100 destinations across six continents by 2030—supported by an ambitious fleet strategy including Airbus A321neos, A350-1000s, and Boeing 787s.
Airports and expansion: building reach
RSG is not only redefining resort development but is also transforming regional air connectivity. Red Sea International Airport in Tabuk began operations in September 2023 and now handles both domestic flights and international services from Dubai. With its runway and terminals tailored to support seaplanes and luxurious tourism, RSI is ready to scale alongside growing demand.
Meanwhile, RSG is refurbishing Al Wajh Airport, upgrading its domestic hub with a new international terminal to serve both Amaala and the broader vision of seaplane connectivity through Fly Red Sea. Though no exact completion dates have been confirmed, the project complements RSG’s expansion timeline for its luxury destinations.
By the end of 2025, Phase One of The Red Sea Project is expected to be complete, including 16 resorts, RSI, a marina, and requisite hospitality infrastructure. In parallel, Amaala is on schedule to welcome its first guests in 2025, with key projects like the Triple Bay resort cluster nearing completion by 2026–2027. The broader vision—to host 50 hotels, 8,000 rooms, and over 1,000 residences across remote islands by 2030—remains firmly on track.
The alliance between RSG and Riyadh Air stands out not only for its branding objectives but for its strategic implications:
- Seamless air-to-resort journeys: Travelers can now envisage booking a flight with Riyadh Air, arriving at RSI, and being whisked to sustainable luxury resorts—all through integrated offers.
- Global visibility: Combining the narrative of Saud Arabia’s nascent premium airline with its emerging luxury beach destinations strengthens the Kingdom’s global tourism appeal.
- Infrastructure harmony: RSI expansion, Al Wajh upgrades, and aviation network planning all point to a holistic approach—alveolar of portals feeding into one ecosystem.
- Ready for mega-events: With Expo 2030, upcoming giga-events, and megaprojects underway, Saudi is marrying transport capability with experiential demand.
The Road Ahead
- Late 2025: Riyadh Air’s first commercial routes commence, starting with Heathrow and expanding steadily.
- End of 2025: Complete Phase One of The Red Sea Project becomes fully operational.
- 2026–2027: Expansion of Amaala including Triple Bay and additional hospitality offerings.
- 2030: Full realization of Red Sea and Amaala tourism ecosystems, supported by robust aviation infrastructure.
Timeline
| Element | Key Development |
|---|---|
| MoU Signing | Joint branding, marketing, connectivity pact |
| Riyadh Air Launch | Flights begin late 2025, Heathrow flagship route |
| Red Sea International Airport | Operational since Sept 2023, service ramping |
| Al Wajh Airport Refurb | Upgrades underway for touristic gateway |
| Tourism Rollout | Resorts & infrastructure Phase One by end-2025, full network by 2030 |
This collaboration between RSG and Riyadh Air illustrates how Saudi Arabia is not merely building infrastructure, but architecting a cohesive tourism ecosystem—where luxury, air connectivity, and sustainable resort destinations converge seamlessly.
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Photos: RSG
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Read also: Riyadh Air ready for Q4 2025 launch – London route set to begin late October
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