Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas has officially launched its inaugural flight from Nairobi to Riyadh, marking a significant step toward enhancing air connectivity, trade, and tourism between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
The new service, which will operate three times a week via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), is expected to bolster bilateral relations and create new avenues for business and cultural exchange.
Speaking during the launch event at JKIA, Mr. Walter Agong, Operations Manager representing the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Ag. Managing Director, congratulated Flynas on the milestone and reaffirmed KAA’s commitment to supporting the airline’s operations.
“We are delighted to welcome Flynas to Nairobi. This new route strengthens connectivity between Kenya and Saudi Arabia and supports our mission to make JKIA a preferred aviation hub in the region,” said Agong.
Also present was H.E. Khalid Saeed Al Zahrani, Deputy Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Kenya, who praised the initiative as a reflection of the growing cooperation between the two nations.
“This connection will not only promote trade and investment but also deepen cultural and religious ties, including travel for Umrah and Hajj,” he noted.
The direct Nairobi–Riyadh route significantly reduces travel time, offering Kenyan travelers a more convenient link to Saudi Arabia’s capital and one of the Middle East’s most dynamic economic centers.
KAA reiterated its readiness to support airline growth through world-class facilities and services, emphasizing that Flynas’ entry reinforces Nairobi’s status as a strategic regional aviation and business hub.
The launch forms part of Flynas’ broader expansion strategy in Africa, as the airline seeks to tap into the continent’s fast-growing travel market. With demand rising for affordable and efficient air travel between Africa and the Middle East, Flynas aims to position itself as a key player connecting emerging markets.
Industry observers expect the Riyadh–Nairobi route to drive both tourism and trade flows, enhance investment opportunities, and contribute to stronger people-to-people relations between the two countries.
