Red Sea International Airport concluded 2025 on a high note, boosting its workforce with a focus on Saudization and pioneering sustainable aviation fuel in Saudi Arabia
Earned top industry awards, charting an ambitious path toward expanded connectivity and greener skies.
The Red Sea : Red Sea International Airport, operated by daa International, has marked the year with strong momentum across workforce development, sustainability leadership, and air service expansion, further solidifying its role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s long-term aviation vision.
Red Sea International Airport also earned notable industry recognition for its sustainability and safety efforts, winning ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year and Safety Enhancement Project of the Year’ at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards. Additionally, the airport achieved ‘Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA)’ Level 1 from Airports Council International, marking an important milestone in its structured approach to monitoring and reducing carbon emissions.
In line with its commitment to advancing workforce localization and developing national capabilities, Red Sea International Airport increased the proportion of Saudi talent this year to 70% of its total workforce. This milestone reflects the airport’s dedication to investing in human capital and empowering local professionals.
This year has also been a defining moment in its journey toward building a workforce that is not only strong but truly diverse. Receiving the Global Women Empowerment Award stands as a powerful testament to its unwavering commitment to championing equality and opening doors for women to thrive in aviation. In this sector, their voices and leadership are shaping the future.
Reflecting on the year’s achievements, Andrew Tyler‑Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Red Sea International Airport, said: “This has been a year dedicated to building solid foundations. Our focus has been on responsible organizational growth, investing in our people, the nation and embedding safety and sustainability at the center of everything we do. These milestones demonstrate the direction we are heading as we prepare for the next phase of expansion.”
This year’s achievements also build on Red Sea International Airport’s pioneering milestones. After becoming the first airport in Saudi Arabia to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the airport expanded its impact this year by supporting two airlines with SAF-powered operations, further reinforcing its leadership in advancing aviation decarbonization and guiding the industry toward lower‑emission travel.
In terms of air service development, Red Sea International Airport currently operates 20 weekly flights. It aims to expand to 60 weekly flights by 2030, in line with projected demand growth and regional connectivity goals.
As Red Sea International Airport moves into the new year, it remains committed to strengthening its operational foundations, enhancing connectivity, and advancing sustainability initiatives that support Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s evolving aviation landscape.
