Red Sea International Airport (RSI) has welcomed its inaugural Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi, marking the launch of the airline’s new year-round service between the Saudi Arabian gateway and Zayed International Airport (AUH).
The inaugural service further expands RSI’s domestic and international network, which currently connects the Red Sea destination with Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha and Milan.
The network has been developed with the support of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, working alongside RSI operator, daa International.
RSI’s chief commercial officer, Michael White, said: “Welcoming Etihad Airways to Red Sea International Airport for the first time is an important milestone for RSI and another step forward in the continued growth of our international network.
“This new connection brings The Red Sea closer to travellers from the UAE and, through Abu Dhabi, guests from across Etihad’s global network.
“We are delighted to welcome Etihad and its passengers to RSI and look forward to building on this partnership.”
RSI provides access to the Red Sea and AMAALA, two of Saudi Arabia’s major new tourism destinations.
Located 90 kilometres south of Al Wajh, RSI is within three hours’ flying time of 250 million people and within eight hours of 85% of the world’s population. The airport has the capacity to serve one million guests annually.
