Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Programme (ACP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with beOnd to explore direct air routes linking the Red Sea destination with six major European cities.

Announced during the Kingdom’s participation at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, the agreement targets premium services connecting London, Paris, Moscow, Milan, Munich and Zurich with Red Sea International Airport.

 The initiative aims to boost tourism, expand international travel options and support Saudi Arabia’s strategy to strengthen global air connectivity with key markets.

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Air Connectivity Programme, stated that the partnership reflects the programme's continued efforts to expand the Kingdom's air connectivity network by forging strategic partnerships with international airlines, supporting the objectives of the Aviation Programme 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 destination 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.

Ahmed Albrahim, CEO of ACP, said that the partnership represents another milestone in the programme's efforts to attract international airline partners and launch strategic new routes connecting Saudi Arabia with priority global markets.

He emphasised that the programme 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 theKingdom.

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."

Abdullah Al-Hagbani, Acting CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, stated: "Air connectivity is a pivotal factor in driving tourism growth and enhancing destination competitiveness. This 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."

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. -TradeArabia News Service