All eyes are now turning towards the Red Sea after the American-Israeli wars on Iran: the first was the Twelve-Day War or the Iran-Israel War of 2025, which broke out between Iran and Israel from June 13 to June 24, 2025.

The second is the American-Israeli war on Iran, launched by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026, and continues to this day. The wars led to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, disrupting oil and commercial (goods) navigation in the Arabian Gulf, causing a military, political, and economic crisis that choked the world, leading to instability in the Arabian Gulf. The Kingdom and the Gulf states turned to the Kingdom's ports and airports on the Red Sea coast. The matter is not limited to ports and oil and energy exports, although that is the basis, but extends to airport security, making Gulf state airports unsafe for passengers, tourism, and international goods. Added to this is the proximity of Red Sea airports to Europe, Africa, and America, which is a new advantage for the transition to the western coast.

Saudi economic reports

Thus, airports on the Red Sea coast in the Kingdom have emerged, some of which are targets of Vision 2030 to cover needs, including:

- Red Sea International Airport (to serve the Red Sea Project).

- King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

- Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu, serving Yanbu Industrial City and tourism projects on the western coast.

- Al Wajh Governorate International Airport.

- Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk.

- NEOM Bay Airport.

Al Wajh Governorate Airport is located on the Red Sea coast in the Tabuk region, south of Al Wajh, and has a historical and domestic role in connecting coastal cities. Other supporting airports: such as Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk and NEOM Bay Airport, which have become strategic gateways for major projects such as 'NEOM'.

The latest development regarding the opening of Al Wajh Airport was the announcement by Red Sea International Company on June 8, 2026, of the reopening of Al Wajh International Airport (EJH) after comprehensive development and modernization works that spanned two years, culminating in the official resumption of commercial flights on May 24, 2026. Commercial operations at the airport started with five scheduled weekly flights via Saudi Airlines, distributed between three flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah, in line with the requirements of the current phase and the need for air connectivity in the region, with expectations of an imminent launch of its international flights.

This achievement solidifies Red Sea International's position as an effective partner in developing national infrastructure beyond its tourism projects.

After the development works, Al Wajh International Airport is now capable of:

- Receiving and operating most narrow-body commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, and seaplanes, providing operational flexibility to support future air traffic expansion.

- The passenger terminal's capacity has increased to 500,000 passengers annually compared to 100,000 passengers previously.

- Operational capacity of up to 330 passengers per hour during peak times, through four arrival and departure gates.

- 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, reflecting the region's identity and celebrating its cultural heritage.

- The modernization works included the development of terminal facilities to enhance the passenger experience, including vehicle parking.

- The airport accommodates seaplane and helicopter operations within the integrated transport system of the 'AMALA' destination.

- This project goes beyond being merely a development of an existing airport; it is an investment in strengthening connectivity between communities and supporting economic growth.

- Creating new opportunities for the region's residents.

- The Tabuk region now has another airport ready to receive international flights, enhancing connectivity with various regions of the Kingdom and the world.