The start of Qatar Airways’ services to Red Sea International Airport (RSI) this week has been heralded as a key milestone in Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion by Red Sea Global (RSG).

As he welcomed the inaugural flight to RSI, RSG Group CEO John Pagano highlighted the new route’s role in opening up the regenerative tourism destination.

“With the opening of Shura Island last month and our second destination AMAALA welcoming guests in the coming months, enhanced international connectivity means even more people can now experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature in one of the most picturesque places on the planet,” he said.

Operated by daa International, the new service connects The Red Sea to Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) three times a week.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming our second international route to Red Sea International Airport, a connection from Doha to The Red Sea through Qatar Airways,” Red Sea International Airport CEO Andrew Tyler-Smith said. “This new service introduces an efficient gateway to a wide range of European destinations, unlocking critical access to key target source markets for the first time.”

The Red Sea route becomes Qatar Airways’ 12th destination in Saudi Arabia, joining Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif and Yanbu. The airline now operates more than 130 weekly flights across the Kingdom.

“The importance of the Saudi market, and our commitment to it, is proven by the growing reach of our services in the Kingdom,” Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said. “This new route – a testament to the close ties between the two countries – offers travellers seamless, world-class access to one of the Middle East’s emerging destinations onboard the World’s Best Airline.”

Located between Umluj and Al Wajh, Red Sea encompasses more than 90 islands, coral reefs and desert landscapes, with six luxury resorts already open and more underway.