Flynas new routes Uganda: Enhancing international network to boost connectivity and tourism

In a bold move to expand its presence in Africa, Saudi budget airline Flynas has announced the introduction of two new routes to Uganda and Djibouti, set to commence on January 8, 2025. This expansion is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity across the continent and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious National Civil Aviation Strategy.

Starting next month, Flynas will operate three weekly flights from Riyadh to Entebbe, Uganda, and the same frequency from Jeddah to Djibouti. This initiative is designed to support Saudi Arabia’s goal of welcoming 150 million tourists annually by 2030 and to advance the Pilgrims Experience Program, aimed at facilitating travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The addition of these routes not only enhances Flynas’s international network but also makes travel more accessible for passengers across the region. The airline is committed to its vision encapsulated in the slogan “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” reinforcing its dedication to fostering international ties and tourism.

This announcement comes on the heels of Flynas’s recent efforts to increase domestic seat capacity by over 480,000 on popular routes to Taif, Abha, and Al-Baha during the summer, marking a significant 21 per cent rise compared to the previous year. The airline has also expanded its fleet, welcoming its 53rd Airbus A320neo in July as part of a larger order for 120 aircraft, which positions Flynas as a leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and ranks it among the top four globally.

During the Farnborough International Airshow in July, Flynas further solidified its growth strategy by signing a substantial agreement to double its fleet with an order for 160 additional Airbus planes. This order includes 30 wide-body A330neos and 130 A320s, a move described by CEO and Managing Director Bander Al-Mohanna as a pivotal step towards establishing Flynas as a leading global low-cost carrier.

Since its inception in 2007, Flynas has rapidly grown to serve over 70 domestic and international destinations, operating 1,500 flights weekly and transporting more than 80 million passengers to date. With these new routes and a growing fleet, Flynas is well on its way to becoming a major player in international aviation.