The Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with beOnd during the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s participation at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
The MoU aims to explore opportunities to operate direct air routes connecting the Red Sea destination 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.
The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Air Connectivity Program, Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej stated that the launch of these new routes between the Red Sea destination and key European cities will facilitate access for travelers 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 Air Connectivity Program, 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.
John Pagano Group CEO – Red Sea Global
“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.”
The Acting CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Abdullah Al-Hagbani, noted that, “This Air Connectivity Program-beOnd MoU represents the integrated efforts between the tourism and aviation sectors to facilitate accessibility to Saudi Arabia via key European markets and broaden access to our unique tourism destinations, while the Red Sea destination is leading the way. These efforts aim to attract international tourists, allow them to enjoy the diverse activities Saudi Arabia offers, including entertainment and cultural events, via seasons, therefore boosting Saudi destinations and keeping pace with the tourism sector’s rapid growth.”
The CEO and Chairman of beOnd, Tero Taskila, remarked that the signing of the Air Connectivity Program-beOnd MoU represents an important milestone in the airline’s long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism ambitions.
