Beond Airlines launched operations in 2023, and it brands itself as the world’s first premium leisure airline. I reviewed the airline last year, and the onboard product was super pleasant.
The company is headquartered in Dubai, but primarily operates flights to and from the Maldives. At least that’s how it’s supposed to be, as the airline currently has scheduled operations suspended, and plans to return this fall.
Anyway, there’s now an interesting update, as Beond has just announced a major reshuffling of its network.
In this post:
Beond Airlines’ Malé to Europe flights now operate via Red Sea
Beond Airlines has announced that once it resumes service later this year, it will route most of its Europe flights via the Red Sea, the airport serving Saudi Arabia’s huge new tourism development.
Specifically, as of December 2026, Beond will route flights from Malé (MLE) to London (LHR), Milan (MXP), Moscow (SVO), Munich (MUC), Paris (CDG), and Zurich (ZRH), via Red Sea International (RSI), replacing service via Dubai World Central (DWC).
The airline needs the fuel stop between Europe and the Maldives, as it operates an Airbus A319 and A321. Obviously it now sees more potential operating via the Red Sea rather than via Dubai. In all cases, the airline will have pick-up and drop-off rights, meaning passengers can travel on Beond when flying to or from either the Maldives or Saudi Arabia.
For what it’s worth, Beond launched flights between Milan and the Red Sea in late 2025, but this represents quite the expansion for service to the airport.
Here’s how Beond CEO Tero Taskila describes this:
“This marks an exciting new chapter in beOnd’s growth and reinforces our long-term vision of connecting the world’s most exceptional leisure destinations. The Red Sea is among the world’s most exciting new destinations, shaped by innovation, outstanding hospitality, and a deep respect for its natural surroundings. It is a perfect complement to the beOnd experience, and we’re delighted to offer more travellers from Europe an elevated way to discover this remarkable destination—where the holiday begins the moment they step on board.”
My take on Beond Airlines’ expanded Red Sea service
Saudi Arabia is of course trying to turn its Red Sea development into a big tourism destination, and good air connectivity helps with that. Beond Airlines is operating the only service to Red Sea International from Europe, as all other service is just regional.
A few thoughts on this service:
- I have to imagine that the Saudi Arabian government is offering significant incentives for operating this kind of service, and I think that could be a primary motivator here
- I’m curious if this means the airline just won’t serve alcohol on the entire journey, or if it just closes up the bar over Saudi Arabian airspace (only the latter is required in these situations, but many airlines take the former approach)
- It’s understandable that the airline would want to no longer route service via Dubai, given what’s going on at the moment, though I’m curious if the average European would be more or less comfortable routing via the Red Sea
- This just adds some complexity in terms of staffing flights, since some Beond crews are based in Dubai, so it’s an efficient refueling point in terms of changing crews without having to pay for hotels, etc.; I wonder if crews are now being moved to the Red Sea, or what
- Bigger picture, there are lots of questions about the company’s finances, so who really knows what exactly is going on
Bottom line
Beond Airlines is making huge updates to its network, once it resumes operations later this year. Currently most of its routes between Malé and Europe operate via Dubai, but they’ll soon go via the Red Sea, with the airline having pick-up and drop-off rights there.
It’s not surprising that the airline is looking for an alternative to Dubai, and for that matter, I wouldn’t be surprised if Saudi Arabia is largely funding this service, to promote tourism in the region. A flight between Red Sea and Malé sure ranks up there in terms of odd city pairs.
What do you make of Beond’s expanded Red Sea service?
I care about Beond and Global.
Well then, I stand corrected. Enjoy flying them.
It seems, nobody except you cares about Beond and Global, Ben :)