Qatar Airways Expands Connectivity with New Red Sea Route, Boosting Saudi Tourism Vision 2030

Qatar Airways is poised to enhance its operational network with the launch of a new route to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, beginning from late October 2025. This strategic addition marks a significant expansion in the airline’s connectivity to Saudi Arabia, adding the twelfth destination in the Kingdom to its roster. The new service from Doha to the Red Sea International Airport will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft and is scheduled to run three times a week, making its inaugural flight on October 21, 2025.

Flights will depart from Doha’s Hamad International Airport, voted as the Best Airport in the Middle East in 2025 by Skytrax, every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The precise flight schedule includes QR1226 departing Doha at 07:45 and arriving at the Red Sea at 10:45, with the return flight QR1227 leaving the Red Sea at 11:45 and reaching Doha by 14:15. Tickets have been made available for booking through Qatar Airways' official website and mobile application.

The Red Sea International Airport, strategically managed by daa International, plays a pivotal role in unlocking new international connectivity through the introduction of Qatar Airways’ direct flights. This development not only augments the airport's reach into Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations but also strengthens the ties with Hamad International Airport, offering seamless global connectivity.

The launch of this new air service is instrumental for Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism sector, particularly aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030. It provides travelers from diverse continents access to one of Saudi Arabia’s emerging luxury tourism zones along the Red Sea coast. This initiative has been further bolstered by the strategic support from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the Air Connectivity Programme (ACP), underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation network.

Qatar Airways, recognized as the World’s Best Airline for the ninth time by Skytrax in 2025, continues its commitment to offering unparalleled travel experiences. This new Red Sea route introduces passengers to a region marked by stunning coastal landscapes, pristine islands, and historical significance, encapsulating the rich diversity of the Middle East.

The airline's expansion into the Red Sea region is a testament to its strategic focus on high-demand and unique travel destinations. Qatar Airways has consistently shown dedication to growing its presence within the Middle East, as evidenced by its robust network that currently includes over 130 weekly flights across Saudi Arabia. This expansion not only offers unmatched access to Saudi Arabia’s captivating coastal destinations but also facilitates new opportunities for luxury, adventure, and cultural tourism in the region.

Qatar Airways' decision to incorporate the Red Sea into its network leverages the area's abundant natural beauty, offering travelers access to more than 90 pristine islands and one of the largest barrier reef systems globally. This makes it an ideal spot for divers and marine enthusiasts, while the region's historical landmarks provide cultural exploration opportunities for visitors.

The airport’s development aligns with its regenerative tourism goals, featuring sustainable practices that reflect both environmental stewardship and world-class hospitality. It is aiming to serve a growing volume of passengers as the region continues to attract visitors with its rich cultural and natural offerings. Moreover, Red Sea International Airport plans to operate completely on renewable energy once complete, powering operations with solar panels and cutting-edge battery storage systems.

As the Red Sea's luxurious tourism infrastructure expands, including resorts and exclusive amenities like Shura Island’s upcoming 18-hole championship golf course, Qatar Airways stands poised as a key facilitator of increased travel to this remarkable destination. By reinforcing its network with this strategic route, Qatar Airways continues to epitomize excellence in international air travel, ensuring the Middle East's most alluring destinations are accessible to travelers worldwide.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the airline’s dedication to offering diverse global destinations demanded by travelers, while Red Sea Global Group CEO John Pagano remarked on the significant step this partnership represents in positioning The Red Sea as a premier luxury destination on the global stage.

Overall, the introduction of Qatar Airways’ services to the Red Sea is a significant advancement in expanding both regional and international connectivity, facilitating global access to the area's unparalleled offerings and supporting Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification endeavors under Vision 2030.