beOnd Signs Agreement to Connect Europe with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea

Maldivian premium leisure airline beOnd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program to explore new direct routes connecting six major European cities with The Red Sea tourism destination.

The agreement was signed during Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held in London from July 20 to 24.

Under the proposed partnership, beOnd will explore operating direct, all-premium flights between Red Sea International Airport and London, Paris, Moscow, Milan, Munich and Zurich.

The planned services are expected to improve access to The Red Sea from key European tourism markets, increase visitor arrivals and expand the airline’s growing international network.

For beOnd, the agreement represents another significant step in the international expansion of a Maldivian airline brand. It also places the Maldives-based premium carrier at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop new aviation links and attract high-end international travellers to emerging tourism destinations.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program.

Al-Duailej said the partnership reflects the Program’s efforts to expand Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity network by establishing strategic partnerships with international airlines.

He said the proposed routes would make The Red Sea more accessible to travellers from priority European markets, stimulate tourism growth and support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global aviation and tourism hub.

Air Connectivity Program CEO Ahmed Albrahim described the partnership as another milestone in the Program’s efforts to attract international airline partners and establish strategic routes connecting Saudi Arabia with major global markets.

Albrahim said the collaboration with beOnd demonstrates the Program’s commitment to developing sustainable air connectivity solutions for emerging tourism destinations, particularly The Red Sea.

He added that the partnership would contribute to increasing visitor numbers, expanding inbound air traffic and creating long-term economic value in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Red Sea Global Group CEO John Pagano said beOnd’s previously announced Milan route had demonstrated strong demand for direct premium access to The Red Sea.

“Our announcement of beOnd’s Milan route last year demonstrated the strong demand for direct premium access to The Red Sea,” Pagano said.

“Today’s agreement builds on that momentum by expanding our European network and bringing our destinations within easier reach of travellers from key source markets.”

He said the partnership was another important step towards accelerating the growth of regenerative tourism and welcoming more international visitors to The Red Sea.

beOnd CEO and Chairman Tero Taskila said the agreement represented an important milestone in the Maldivian airline’s long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia.

Taskila said the planned routes build on the launch of beOnd’s Milan–The Red Sea service in November 2025, described as the first direct air connection between Europe and The Red Sea.

He said the proposed expansion marks the next phase of beOnd’s long-term growth and multi-destination strategy, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism ambitions.

The agreement is also expected to strengthen beOnd’s position as an internationally recognised premium airline and further raise the profile of the Maldives’ aviation industry in global markets.

beOnd is a Maldivian premium leisure airline offering all-premium air travel services. The airline is expanding its international network as part of a strategy focused on connecting major global markets with luxury leisure destinations.