RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and premium leisure airline beOnd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the launch of direct flights connecting the Red Sea destination with six major European cities.
The agreement aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s international air connectivity, attract more visitors to the Kingdom and support the growth of the Red Sea as a global luxury tourism destination.
The MoU was signed during Saudi Arabia’s participation at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in London, which is being held from July 20 to 24, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Under the proposed plan, beOnd would operate all-premium services linking Red Sea International Airport with London, Paris, Moscow, Milan, Munich and Zurich.
The planned routes are expected to provide travellers from key European markets with direct access to the Red Sea region while supporting Saudi Arabia’s wider ambitions to expand its tourism sector under Vision 2030.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, chairman of the ACP Executive Committee, said the partnership reflected ongoing efforts to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation network through strategic cooperation with international airlines.
He said the initiative aligned with the goals of the Aviation Programme and the National Tourism Strategy, while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role as a leading global hub for aviation and tourism.
ACP Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Albrahim described the agreement as another milestone in efforts to attract international airline partners and establish strategic routes connecting Saudi Arabia with major global markets.
He said the programme was working closely with tourism and aviation stakeholders to expand international routes, increase inbound air traffic and improve the Kingdom’s competitiveness in the global travel sector.
Ahmed Albrahim added that cooperation with beOnd demonstrated ACP’s commitment to developing sustainable air connectivity solutions, particularly for emerging tourism destinations such as the Red Sea.
John Pagano, group chief executive officer of Red Sea Global, which is developing the Red Sea destination, said the agreement built on strong demand for direct premium travel links to the region.
He noted that beOnd’s previously announced Milan route had shown significant interest among European travellers seeking luxury access to the Red Sea.
“Today’s agreement builds on that momentum by expanding our European network and bringing our destinations within easier reach of travellers from key source markets,” Pagano said.
Acting Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Abdullah Al-Hagbani said improved air connectivity was essential for tourism growth and destination competitiveness.
He said the partnership reflected coordinated efforts between Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism sectors to enhance access to the Kingdom’s destinations, with the Red Sea emerging as a key focus.
The initiative is expected to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract international visitors, promote its cultural and entertainment offerings, and create long-term economic opportunities through tourism expansion.
Tero Taskila, chief executive officer and chairman of beOnd, said the MoU represented an important step in the airline’s long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia and supported the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism objectives.
