What Will Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Airport Look Like?

Arab News has shared details about Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which is currently under construction. It will welcome its first travelers early next year.

RSI is located a five-hour drive from the nearest major international airports of Jeddah and Madinah and a two-hour drive from the nearest regional international airports of Yanbu and Al-Ula. It has been deliberately placed 20km away from coastal lagoons and islands.

The airport will use state-of-the-art solutions. For instance, passengers will not have to worry about their luggage. It will be handled in a special room with a state-of-the-art handling system that will track each piece until it is delivered to the owner at the chosen destination.

The airport has a dedicated runway for seaplanes and small general aviation aircraft, providing direct air access to destinations on the Red Sea. This runway will enable air taxis, which will be the first step in introducing hydrogen-powered seaplane options and eVTOL and eSTOL (electric short take-off and landing) aircraft technology. Such a solution will enable passengers to travel to and from resorts quietly and environmentally friendly.

The airport will be powered by a solar power plant and the world's largest battery storage facility.

The project is being led by Joseph Stratford, a civil and environmental engineer. In an interview with Arab News, he said:

Red Sea International Airport is one of the smaller airports I have led, but without doubt the most iconic, progressive and special. The architectural concept, mode of operation and guest experience are truly unique.