RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program has signed a memorandum of understanding with premium leisure carrier beOnd to explore direct air routes linking the Red Sea International Airport with six major European cities.
The agreement was signed during the Kingdom’s participation in the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held in London from July 20 to 24, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The proposed all-premium services would connect London, Paris, Moscow, Milan, Munich and Zurich with the Red Sea airport. The carrier beOnd is headquartered in Dubai and based at the Maldives’ Velana International Airport.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, chairman of the ACP’s executive committee, said the partnership reflects the program’s continued efforts to expand Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity network through strategic partnerships with international airlines.
He said the initiative supports the objectives of the Aviation Program and the National Tourism Strategy while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for aviation connectivity and tourism.
The new routes would ensure direct, quality access for travelers from priority European markets, stimulate tourism growth and economic development, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination, Al-Duailej added.
The ACP’s CEO Ahmed Albrahim said the partnership marks another milestone in the program’s efforts to attract international airline partners and launch strategic routes linking Saudi Arabia with priority global markets.
The program continues to work with stakeholders across the tourism and aviation sectors to expand the Kingdom’s international route network, increase inbound air traffic and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness on the global travel map in line with Saudi Vision 2030, he said.
John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global, the developer of the Red Sea destination, said beOnd’s Milan route, announced last year, had demonstrated strong demand for direct premium access to the region.
“Today’s agreement builds on that momentum by expanding our European network and bringing our destinations within easier reach of travelers from key source markets,” Pagano said.
Abdullah Al-Hagbani, acting CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said air connectivity was pivotal to tourism growth and destination competitiveness.
The MOU reflects integrated efforts by the tourism and aviation sectors to improve links to Saudi Arabia through key European markets and broaden access to the Kingdom’s tourism destinations, with the Red Sea leading the way, he said.
The efforts aim to attract international tourists and enable them to experience Saudi Arabia’s diverse offerings, including entertainment and cultural events, Al-Hagbani added.
Tero Taskila, CEO and chairman of beOnd, said the MOU marks an important milestone in the airline’s long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia and reflects its commitment to support the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism ambitions.
