Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the sustainable tourism projects The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced the arrival of the first international flight at Red Sea International Airport (RSI).
Operated by flydubai, the flight takes off from Dubai International Airport (DXB) on April 18th, 2024, initiating a new twice-weekly service to this exciting destination.
Regular domestic flights operated by Saudia have been efficiently connecting with RSI since September 2023. With the addition of flydubai, the total number of flights reaching RSI increases to eight per week.
Positioned for Success: A Gateway to a Luxurious Escape
Conveniently situated within a three-hour flight for 250 million people, Red Sea International Airport (RSI) is set to become a tourism hub. It will attract a million guests annually when fully operational.
John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global, highlights the significance of this development.
“Our inaugural flight just six months ago marked the beginning of our journey, and this first international flight brings us a step closer to establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier global tourist destination”
“We’re eager to connect with the world and welcome visitors from the UAE, the wider Middle East, and beyond.”
Pagano emphasizes that RSI goes beyond tourism, acting as a vital link for employees, partners, and the surrounding community.
Explore the Enchanting Red Sea
Designed to provide seamless access for travelers, RSI serves as the gateway to an unparalleled Red Sea experience.
Currently, two luxurious resorts grace the destination: Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, and St. Regis Red Sea Resort, which recently had the privilege of hosting the legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and his family.
The year 2024 promises the exciting addition of three more resorts. Nujuma, a prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve (one of only seven globally), prepares to welcome guests in the coming weeks.
Following this will be Shebara, boasting stunning overwater villas crafted from stainless steel. Desert Rock, a magnificent resort destined to be nestled amidst the mountains, is also on the horizon.
Red Sea International Airport
Michael White, Chief Commercial Officer of Red Sea International Airport, expresses his enthusiasm for the event. “The arrival of international travelers marks a thrilling new chapter for RSI, following the successful launch of domestic flights last September.”
“We are dedicated to providing exceptional service to both passengers and airlines, and we look forward to expanding our network to serve The Red Sea and travellers worldwide.”
RSI is on track to become the Middle East’s first carbon-neutral airport, implementing innovative sustainability solutions across all operations.
These solutions aim to eliminate and offset carbon emissions, optimize energy use, and promote efficient resource and waste management.
Design with a Purpose: Minimizing Environmental Impact
The commitment to sustainability is evident in the very design of RSI’s terminal. Opening its doors fully next year, the innovative terminal boasts five independent ‘mini-terminals.’
This unique design allows for operation based on demand. This significantly reduces the building’s energy consumption compared to a traditional centralized terminal.
flydubai Takes Flight
Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, remarks, “flydubai is proud to be the first carrier to operate between the UAE and Red Sea International Airport, offering passengers direct access to Saudi Arabia’s captivating Red Sea resorts.”
“This aligns with our commitment to opening up new markets and further connecting the regions we serve through Dubai’s renowned aviation hub.”
The Red Sea Project: A Vision Realized
Upon full completion in 2030, The Red Sea project will encompass 50 resorts. This offers up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties. The project encompasses a vast territory, stretching across 22 islands and six inland sites.
The destination will also feature luxurious marinas and championship golf courses. Diverse entertainment options, delectable cuisine, and a plethora of leisure facilities will be on offer.
The entire project is powered by a revolutionary off-grid solution consisting of five solar farms with a staggering 760,000 panels. The system is complemented by one of the world’s largest operational battery storage facilities.
