Red Sea Global welcomes first direct European flights to Red Sea International Airport

• Landmark route by beOnd from Milan to Saudi Red Sea coast bolsters the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism goals.

Riyadh, 13 November 2025: Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced the launch of the first ever direct flight from Europe to Red Sea International Airport (RSI). Conducted by beOnd, the world’s first premium leisure airline, the inaugural service from Milan landed at RSI yesterday (12 November), marking a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism sector and its Vision 2030 ambitions.

The new route establishes a direct link between Europe and The Red Sea and AMAALA, offering European travelers seamless access to the world’s most exciting new luxury and regenerative tourism destinations. Guests will enjoy beOnd’s signature premium experience and RSI’s world-class design, meticulously shaped by innovation and a deep respect for the natural surroundings.

The launch was celebrated with a special signing ceremony at TOURISE Global Tourism Summit in Riyadh, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the strategic partners driving this new era of luxury travel.

RSI, operated by daa International, is the gateway to The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations, developed with sustainability at its core. Developed by RSG, the airport and destinations are the cornerstone of the Kingdom’s ambition to attract 150 million visitors by 2030 (updated from an original target of 100M). They are also supporting the Kingdom’s vision to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP, which has already shot from 3% to 7% since the launch of Vision 2030.

Tero Taskila, CEO and Chairman of beOnd, stated: “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 (GACA) 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 (STA), Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP), RSI and SEA Milan Airports for their continued support and for paving the way to help us add RSI to our growing network.”

beOnd’s new, non-stop service will operate twice weekly, utilizing its fleet of A320-family aircraft featuring an all-lie-flat seat configuration, designed for today’s premium leisure traveler.

Andrew Tyler-Smith, CEO of RSI, added: “We are thrilled welcome beOnd as the first airline offering direct service from Europe to The Red Sea and AMAALA. As we expand RSI’s growing network, we are honored to have strategic airline partners such as beOnd be a part of our journey in welcoming travelers from across the globe to discover the Saudi Red Sea coast.”

The Red Sea and AMAALA are powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, embodying RSG’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism, with both aiming for a 30% net conservation benefit to local ecosystems by 2040.

The Red Sea destination now counts nine luxury hotels that are open and welcoming guests, as well as Thuwal Private Retreat off the coast of Jeddah. This week RSG announced the highly anticipated launch of AMAALA Triple Bay, which will see the debut of six world-class luxury resorts initially, as well as a yacht club, marine life institute, state-of-the-art marina and bustling Marina Village over the coming weeks.

For more information see Visit Red Sea Website.