The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia – October 21, 2025 – Qatar Airways has officially launched three weekly non-stop flights between Doha (DOH) and The Red Sea International Airport (RSI) in Saudi Arabia, marking another milestone in the airline’s expansion across the Kingdom. Operated by daa International, the new route further strengthens Qatar Airways’ extensive presence in Saudi Arabia, where it now operates more than 130 weekly flights across 12 gateways.
Voted World’s Best Airline 2025 by Skytrax, Qatar Airways adds The Red Sea to its growing Saudi network, which already includes Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. This new service reinforces the carrier’s long-term commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting access to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing tourism destinations.
The Red Sea service connects travellers from six continents—including Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe—to one of the Middle East’s most ambitious luxury and sustainable tourism projects, developed by Red Sea Global (RSG).
Upon arrival of the inaugural flight, a Qatar Airways delegation led by Abdullah Al Malki, Karthik Viswanathan, and Sheikh Jassim bin Fahad Al-Thani was welcomed by John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global, and Andrew Tyler-Smith, CEO of Red Sea International Airport.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer commented:
“We at Qatar Airways are proud to expand our global network of more than 170 destinations with the inauguration of service to The Red Sea. The importance of the Saudi market, and our commitment to it, is proven by the growing reach of our services in the Kingdom. This new route – a testament to the close ties between the two countries – offers travellers seamless, world-class access to one of the Middle East’s emerging destinations onboard the World’s Best Airline.”
John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global, added:
“Welcoming Qatar Airways to Red Sea International Airport is a key step in giving more travellers from around the world easy access to The Red Sea destination. Enhanced international connectivity means even more people can now experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature in one of the most picturesque places on the planet.”
Andrew Tyler-Smith, CEO of Red Sea International Airport, noted:
“This new service introduces an efficient gateway to a wide range of European destinations, unlocking critical access to key markets. Each new route reinforces RSI’s role as a strategic hub for tourism, welcoming travellers from across the globe to enjoy the unparalleled luxury of The Red Sea.”
A Pioneering Destination
Located between Umluj and Al Wajh on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, The Red Sea encompasses more than 90 untouched islands, coral-fringed waters, desert landscapes, and volcanic mountain ranges. The destination currently welcomes guests at six luxury resorts, with Shura Island—home to 11 world-class hotels, a golf course, and a marina—now open to visitors.
By 2030, Red Sea Global plans to expand the destination to include 50 resorts, 8,000+ hotel keys, and 1,000+ residences, powered entirely by renewable energy and developed under strict regenerative tourism principles.
Flight Schedule (local time)
- Doha (DOH) → The Red Sea (RSI) – Flight QR1226: Departs 07:45; Arrives 10:45
- The Red Sea (RSI) → Doha (DOH) – Flight QR1227: Departs 11:45; Arrives 14:15
(Operates every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)
Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can collect and redeem Avios for flights, shopping, dining, and exclusive lifestyle rewards, including unique travel experiences through the Privilege Club Collection.
Bookings can be made via qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways mobile app.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: QATAR AIRWAYS
