RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with premium leisure carrier beOnd to explore direct air routes linking the Red Sea destination with six major European cities, SPA has reported.
The agreement was signed during Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held in London from July 20 to 24.
The proposed all-premium services would connect London, Paris, Moscow, Milan, Munich and Zurich with Red Sea International Airport. The routes are intended to boost tourism flows, expand travel options and support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen air connectivity with priority international markets.
beOnd is headquartered in Dubai and based at the Maldives’ Velana International Airport.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, chairman of the ACP Executive Committee, said the partnership reflected the program’s continued efforts to expand Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity network through strategic partnerships with international airlines.
He said the initiative supported 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 improve access to the Red Sea destination for travelers from priority European markets, stimulate tourism growth and offer direct travel options meeting high standards, contributing to economic development and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination, Al-Duailej added.
ACP CEO Ahmed Albrahim said the partnership marked 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, as well as airline partners, 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 the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, he said.
Albrahim added that the collaboration with beOnd reflected the ACP’s commitment to developing sustainable air connectivity solutions supporting emerging tourism destinations, particularly the Red Sea, while increasing visitor numbers and creating long-term economic value for Saudi Arabia.
John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global, the developer of the Red Sea destination, said beOnd’s Milan route announcement 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. He described the agreement as another important step in accelerating the growth of regenerative tourism and welcoming more guests.
Abdullah Al-Hagbani, acting CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said air connectivity was pivotal to tourism growth and destination competitiveness.
The MoU reflected integrated efforts by the tourism and aviation sectors to improve access 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 held during various seasons, thereby supporting Saudi destinations and keeping pace with the rapid growth of the tourism sector, Al-Hagbani added.
Tero Taskila, CEO and chairman of beOnd, said the MoU marked an important milestone in the airline’s long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia and reflected its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism ambitions.
