The Air Connectivity Program Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with beOnd to Launch New Routes Connecting Six Major European Destinations with The Red Sea

Under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Air Connectivity Program, the Air Connectivity Program (ACP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with beOnd, the world's first premium leisure airline, during the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's participation at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held in London from 20 to 24 July 2026.

The MoU aims to explore opportunities to operate direct air routes connecting The Red Sea with six major European cities. These direct all-premium services between London, Paris, Moscow, Milan, Munich, Zurich and Red Sea International Airport (RSI), will enhance tourism flows, expand travel options, and support the Kingdom's objective of strengthening air connectivity with priority international markets.

His Excellency Eng. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Air Connectivity Program, stated that the partnership reflects the Program's continued efforts to expand the Kingdom's air connectivity network by forging strategic partnerships with international airlines, supporting the objectives of the Aviation Program and the National Tourism Strategy, while further reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for aviation connectivity and tourism. He added that the launch of these new routes between The Red Sea and key European cities will facilitate access for travellers from priority European markets, stimulate tourism growth, and provide direct travel options that meet the highest standards, contributing to economic development and enhancing the Kingdom's appeal as a world-class tourism destination.

The CEO of the Air Connectivity Program, Mr. Ahmed Albrahim, said that the partnership represents another milestone in the Program's efforts to attract international airline partners and launch strategic new routes connecting Saudi Arabia with priority global markets. He emphasized that the Program continues to work closely with stakeholders across the tourism and aviation ecosystem, as well as airline partners, to expand the Kingdom's international route network, stimulate inbound air traffic, and strengthen Saudi Arabia's competitiveness on the global travel map in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

He added that the collaboration with beOnd reflects the ACP commitment to developing sustainable air connectivity solutions that support emerging tourism destinations, particularly The Red Sea, while contributing to increased visitor numbers and creating long-term economic value for the Kingdom.

John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, the developer behind The Red Sea destination, said: "Our announcement of beOnd's Milan route last year demonstrated the strong demand for direct premium 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 travelers from key source markets. This is another important step in accelerating the growth of regenerative tourism and welcoming more guests to experience a destination unlike any other."

Mr. Tero Taskila, CEO and Chairman of beOnd, stated that the signing of this MoU represents an important milestone in the airline's long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commitment to supporting the Kingdom's aviation and tourism ambitions. He noted that the launch of the new direct routes builds on the successful introduction in November 2025 of beOnd's Milan–The Red Sea service, the first direct connection between Europe and The Red Sea, and marks the next phase of beOnd's long-term expansion and multi-destination growth strategy.

About ACP: The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) streamlines market entry and promotes expansion opportunities for local and international air travel partners in the Kingdom. By developing new routes, ACP aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in tourism air connectivity. ACP also enables the objectives of the Saudi National Tourism Strategy and Aviation Program by increasing resilient capacity and ensuring high-quality service standards