Red Sea Global has announced the reopening of Al Wajh International Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia after two years of development and modernization work, with commercial flights officially resuming on 24 May 2026, 5 weekly flights operated by Saudia, and the airport's capacity raised to 500,000 passengers a year.
The scheduled flights are split between 3 weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah, supporting air connectivity with Al Wajh governorate, the Tabuk region and nearby tourist destinations, with international flights expected to be launched in the coming period, according to a post on the Red Sea Global website.
After the development work, the passenger terminal's capacity rose from 100,000 to 500,000 passengers a year, five times its previous capacity, with operating capacity reaching 330 passengers an hour at peak times through 4 arrival and departure gates.
Al Wajh International Airport is now able to receive and operate most narrowbody commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, as well as seaplanes, providing operational flexibility that supports more flights and future network expansion.
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, said developing the airport is an investment in strengthening connectivity between communities, supporting economic growth and creating new opportunities for the region's residents, adding that the Tabuk region now has an airport ready to receive international flights and strengthen its links with various regions of the Kingdom and foreign markets.
For his part, Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the development work has increased the airport's ability to receive larger aircraft and higher numbers of passengers, adding that the company is working with airlines and regulators to develop the route network in line with growing demand.
Al Wajh International Airport is one of the components of the access system for the AMAALA destination, providing additional travel options for visitors, workers and residents of the region alongside the phases of developing the tourist destination.
AMAALA is around 45 minutes by electric vehicle and 20 minutes by seaplane from the airport, which also accommodates seaplane and helicopter operations as part of the destination's transport system.
The modernization work included upgrading the passenger terminal's facilities and adding two lounges, cafés, shopping points, ATMs, car rental offices and parking.
The airport's architectural design draws its elements from the urban character of the historic town of Al Wajh and the coast of the Tabuk region, integrating the region's identity into the airport's facilities after redevelopment.
To view the post on the Red Sea Global website, click here.
