KSA’s National Carrier Saudia Becomes The Official Airline Of The Esports World Cup 2026
According to Saudia Group's Ibrahim Binaquil, the partnership allows the airline "to engage a new generation, while showcasing the energy, creativity, and ambition that define Saudi Arabia today.”
Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has been named the Official Airline of the 2026 edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC).
Hosted by the Esports Foundation, the KSA-headquartered nonprofit supporting the development and growth of the esports and gaming sectors, the EWC is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. EWC 2026 marks the event’s first international edition, with it being staged in Paris, France, over the course of the summer.
Saudia’s collaboration with the EWC 2026, which builds on an existing partnership it has with the Esports Foundation, was announced at a ceremony conducted at Saudia Technic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia that also saw the award-winning airline unveiling the world's first commercial aircraft dedicated to an esports event. The specially branded aircraft will operate daily flights between Riyadh and Paris through the course of this year’s tournament as well as across Saudia’s international network for the next two years.
In a statement, Ibrahim Binaquil, Marketing Head at Saudia Group, said, “The EWC reflects Saudi Arabia's growing role in bringing people together through world-class experiences that resonate with audiences around the globe. As the Kingdom's national flag carrier, our role extends beyond travel to connecting people with experiences that create lasting memories and strengthen cultural exchange. This partnership allows us to engage a new generation, while showcasing the energy, creativity, and ambition that define Saudi Arabia today.”
François Desir, Director - Sponsorship and Advertising, Esports Foundation, added, “The EWC has always been about bringing people together through a shared passion for gaming. Our expanded partnership with Saudia allows us to extend that experience beyond the competition, connecting communities from Saudi Arabia to Paris and celebrating esports throughout the journey. From the world's first commercial aircraft dedicated to an esports event to onboard programming and fan experiences, our partnership reflects the global reach and cultural impact esports has today."
As the Official Airline of the EWC 2026, Saudia will support travel for players, fans, creators, clubs, and event staff between Riyadh and Paris. The airline has already transported thousands of staff members, selected superfans, content creators, and players to the French capital, with more passengers expected over the coming weeks. Running through August 23, EWC 2026 is bringing together more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, with participants competing across 24 games and 25 tournaments for a share of a prize pool exceeding US$75 million.
