Expanding in the Mediterranean: Etihad's New Exotic Destination

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad, announced this week that it has launched a direct flight route to Red Sea Airport, the new airport in western Saudi Arabia, which is set to become one of the key ports in the coming years for tourists arriving in the developing Red Sea region.

The airline expressed excitement about landing its first flights at the airport, with a direct flight route that will start with a weekly flight and increase to two flights during October, bringing guests approximately 3 hours of extraordinary experiences.

However, Red Sea International Airport is much more than an airport serving a resort. It is a key player in transforming the Red Sea coast in northwestern Saudi Arabia into an international tourist destination.

Etihad Airways plane at Red Sea Airport. Photo: Etihad Airways

The airport, which opened in 2023, was built as part of the Saudi vision to connect tourists directly to hotels and Red Sea experiences, significantly shortening the journey from the plane to the vacation. It currently operates about 70 weekly flights, including flyDubai, and the goal is to reach 350,000 visitors a year.

Its importance is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, especially with the accelerated development of Amaala, Saudi Arabia's new luxury destination, which has already begun receiving guests this year.

By 2030, the airport is planned to reach a capacity of about one million passengers per year, alongside a gradual expansion of hotels, marinas, and attractions.

Etihad at Red Sea Airport. Photo: Etihad Airways