Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport (RSI) is moving from a soft launch to full-scale operations, with its main terminal due to be fully live by the end of 2025. Opened in September 2023 and run by daa International, the boutique airport is the front door to The Red Sea and AMAALA, two luxury, regenerative tourism projects developed by Red Sea Global. Airport officials say the expansion will lift capacity, improve passenger flow, and widen international links that feed the new resorts.
Domestic flights have already shifted into the main terminal, while international arrivals and seaplane movements continue through a dedicated Air Taxi Terminal. That split keeps border checks and transfers orderly as RSI builds up traffic. Since April 2024, the airport has hosted bi‑weekly international flights from Dubai International Airport, marking the start of steady inbound demand for resort stays, conferences, and project work in the area.
By 2030, planners expect RSI to handle up to 1 million guests a year, with a peak throughput of 900 passengers per hour. The site sits about 90 km south of Al Wajh, set along Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Within three hours’ flying time live around 250 million people, and within eight hours lies about 85% of the world’s population, according to airport briefings—numbers that underpin a route strategy focused on short- and medium-haul links from the Middle East, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia.
Operational expansion through 2025
The main terminal complex at Terminals 3 and 4 will anchor RSI’s next phase. Foster + Partners designed the buildings to blend desert, oasis, and sea themes, while reducing energy needs with shade and natural airflow. When complete, RSI aims to run on 100% renewable energy and target carbon neutrality, aligning with Red Sea Global’s environmental goals.
Guest care is central to the airport’s model. Managers describe RSI as a “boutique airport,” with service standards closer to a luxury hotel than a mass hub. The design targets quick processing: officials say passengers should be able to leave the building within about six minutes of landing when flows are stable.
To back that promise, RSI has trialed:
- Passenger pods
- Seaplanes
- Air taxis
These options cut ground travel time to resorts scattered along the coast and islands.
In March 2025, RSI partnered with Plaza Premium Group (PPG) to run premium hospitality across the terminal. The plan includes:
- Four premium lounges
- Five food and beverage outlets
- Seven staff dining rooms
PPG will bring its Plaza Premium First model to Saudi Arabia. RSI CEO Andrew Tyler-Smith and PPG Deputy CEO Bora Isbulan frame the deal as a way to set a high baseline for service as flights increase.
Route development is accelerating. RSI’s commercial team engaged airline planners at Routes Europe 2025 and Routes Asia 2025, with priority targets in Germany, the UK, and Italy. Michael White, RSI’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted longer visitor stays at The Red Sea and AMAALA as a selling point for carriers testing new leisure capacity. daa International continues to oversee operations as the facility scales.
Travel and immigration practicalities
Travelers should review visa eligibility and processing times on official channels before booking. For tourist entries, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosts the eVisa portal with current requirements and application options: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, travelers should confirm eligibility on the government portal first, then coordinate trip details with their airline and hotel.
RSI’s phased layout matters for trip planning:
- Today:
- Domestic services operate from the main terminal.
- International arrivals and seaplanes use the Air Taxi Terminal.
- Transfers:
- Ground staff direct transfers between terminals for guests heading to resorts by air taxi or seaplane.
- Car and bus transfers serve hotels on the mainland.
- By late 2025:
- More international processing is expected to move into the main terminal, easing connections for tour groups and families.
For airlines, the infrastructure supports a clear commercial case:
- Peak rate of 900 passengers per hour
- Strong high‑yield resort demand
- Support for narrow‑body schedules from nearby hubs and selective wide‑body flights in peak seasons
The proximity to The Red Sea and AMAALA helps airlines market simple door‑to‑door experiences: a single ticket, a short walk, and a swift onward hop by seaplane or car to hotel check‑in.
Design choices aim to make the travel chain smooth:
- Natural ventilation and deep shading reduce heat build-up and keep queuing areas comfortable.
- Simple wayfinding and expanded lounge access via the Plaza Premium partnership.
- A focus on reliable, calm travel rather than sheer scale, reflecting the resorts’ tone.
On-the-ground experience
Staff and travelers are already seeing improvements:
- A domestic traveler can now step into a bright terminal, clear checks, and reach a transfer desk within minutes.
- An international guest from Dubai can pass through the Air Taxi Terminal, meet a resort host, and board a seaplane—no long bus rides, no crowded halls.
- For families, shorter lines and clearer signage make long travel days easier to manage.
Key stakeholders
- Red Sea Global — project developer
- daa International — airport operator
- Abdulaziz Alabdan — oversees airport operations at RSG
- Michael White — Chief Commercial Officer (route development)
- Andrew Tyler-Smith — CEO (commercial service and partnerships, incl. Plaza Premium Group)
These players are linking a new tourism zone to regional and long‑haul networks.
Key takeaway: RSI is transitioning from boutique soft‑launch operations to a fully operational airport by the end of 2025, emphasizing premium service, sustainability, and streamlined resort access.
What travelers and airlines should expect over the next 12 months
- More flights
- Growth in domestic services and added international frequencies as terminals consolidate.
- New markets
- Outreach to Germany, the UK, and Italy may bring direct links, shortening travel to resorts.
- Premium service
- Expansion of lounges and dining under Plaza Premium Group across departures.
- Sustainability progress
- Movement toward renewable power and carbon‑neutral operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
Red Sea International Airport shifts to full operations by end of 2025, linking The Red Sea and AMAALA resorts. Boutique service, renewable energy goals, and seaplane connections cut transfer times. With routes targeting Germany, the UK, and Italy, RSI aims for one million annual guests and premium traveler experiences.
