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Qatar Airways to Welcome The Red Sea to its Global Network

The airline will begin three weekly flights to The Red Sea from 21 October 2025

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways today announces the upcoming launch of operations at The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia with three weekly flights from 21 October 2025, making it the 12th destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be served by the airline.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways’ addition of The Red Sea route to our global network is yet another example of our dedication to providing diverse destinations that the discerning global traveller demands. The Red Sea – our 12th destination in Saudi Arabia – offers a wide range of distinct and enriching Middle East experiences. With this announcement, these travel experiences are now accessible with the World’s Best Airline through our award-winning hub – Hamad International Airport.”

Red Sea Global Group CEO, Mr. John Pagano, said: “The launch of these new flights with Qatar Airways is a significant step in our journey to establishing The Red Sea as a premier luxury destination on the world stage. As we continue to open more hotels and attractions, this route makes it easier than ever for travellers to experience unparalleled luxury, explore the rich local Saudi culture, and learn about our pioneering regenerative tourism approach.”

The new route is set to open greater regional connectivity and boost travel from Asia and Europe to Saudi Arabia, making Qatar Airways the only airline connecting The Red Sea to more than 170 global destinations. Additionally, the World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025, operates more than 130 weekly flights across Saudi Arabia, offering passengers from six continents seamless access to the Kingdom’s incredible destinations.

 

The Red Sea offers more than 90 pristine islands, rugged canyons, ancient landscapes, and one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world to travellers seeking wellness, adventure, history, and scenic getaways. It now counts five luxury hotels that are open and welcoming guests. This year Shura Island, the heart of The Red Sea, will begin opening the first of its 11 resorts, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course, dining and retail options, signature experiences and cultural programming.

 

Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight will take place on 21 October 2025:

  • Doha (DOH) to The Red Sea (RSI) – Flight QR1226: Departure 09:15; Arrival 12:15
  • The Red Sea (RSI) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR1227: Departure 14:15; Arrival 16:45

Qatar Airways flights will depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday:

  • Doha (DOH) to The Red Sea (RSI) – Flight QR1226: Departure 07:45; Arrival 10:45
  • The Red Sea (RSI) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR1227: Departure 11:45; Arrival 14:15

 

The Red Sea International Airport is architecturally inspired by its desert environment. The airport aims to serve over a million passengers per year by 2030. Since its launch in 2023, the Red Sea International Airport has been operated by daa International.

 

Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can make their trips more rewarding by collecting Avios on their flights as well as shopping and dining at Qatar Duty Free at Hamad International Airport. Members can spend their Avios on travel and lifestyle rewards of their choice including bidding on money-can’t-buy experiences with Privilege Club Collection.

 

Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, remains a prominent leader in global connectivity and operates to over 170 destinations worldwide. Bookings can be made at: qatarairways.com or through the airline’s mobile application.

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About Red Sea Global

Red Sea Global (RSG - www.redseaglobal.com) is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests in 2025.

A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, opened in 2024. RSG has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal.

RSG is a PIF company and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries, and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.

About Qatar Airways

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ title for an unprecedented ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways was previously named the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024.

The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, and has yet again received recognition for ‘World's Best Business Class’, and ‘World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge’. As the leading connector in the region, Qatar Airways has also been lauded with the ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ title for the 13 time.

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the third year in a row, as voted by Skytrax. Hamad International Airport has previously been named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Qatar Airways was the first airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.

For further information, visit www.qatarairways.com.

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