Qatar Airways Opens Direct Flights to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea

Qatar Airways will start operating flights to The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia beginning 21 October 2025. The airline’s new service will be its 12th destination in the Kingdom and will operate through Hamad International Airport. The new route boosts connectivity between Saudi Arabia and several parts of the world, offering direct access to an area valued for its natural sites, recreational options, and expanding tourism offerings.

Flights are scheduled three times per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The timetable for the inaugural services is as follows:

• Flight QR1226 (Doha to The Red Sea): Departure 09:15, Arrival 12:15
• Flight QR1227 (The Red Sea to Doha): Departure 14:15, Arrival 16:45

Additional timings are also offered:

• Flight QR1226 (Doha to The Red Sea): Departure 07:45, Arrival 10:45
• Flight QR1227 (The Red Sea to Doha): Departure 11:45, Arrival 14:15

Red Sea International Airport information:

• Opened in 2023
• Operated by daa International
• Planned to serve more than one million passengers annually by 2030
• Architecture influenced by the surrounding desert environment

This route provides passengers with access to key natural and recreational sites. Key sites include Shura Island, which will launch its first resort featuring an 18-hole golf course and cultural programs, extensive coral reefs suitable for snorkeling and diving, and the Tihama Escarpment, known for hiking and canyon exploration. These locations offer options for outdoor activities, adventure, and sightseeing, broadening what visitors can do in the Red Sea region.

Additional sites now easier to reach are the Red Sea mangroves, the White Mountains for hiking, and coral atolls known for diving activities. The variety of destinations enables travellers to plan multi-activity itineraries combining outdoor exploration, relaxation, and nature-based experiences. The new route ensures that previously remote locations can now be reached with relative ease from Doha, improving overall trip planning and regional accessibility.

International passengers benefit from reduced travel times and improved schedule options on the Doha to Red Sea route. This service increases access to outdoor and natural attractions and supports more efficient travel planning. The new route facilitates travel to the Red Sea region, giving passengers easier access to its landscapes, outdoor activities, and key destinations across the Kingdom.