Saudi low-cost airline Flynas launches direct Riyadh-Nairobi flights

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flynas has launched direct flights between Riyadh and Nairobi, marking a major step in expanding its presence in Africa and strengthening air connectivity between the Kingdom and East Africa.

The airline commenced operations on October 2, 2025, with three weekly direct flights between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

The new service positions Kenya as the latest addition to Flynas’ East African destinations, which already include Addis Ababa, Entebbe, and Djibouti.

An inauguration ceremony for the maiden flight was held in Riyadh, attended by the Kenyan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Ruwange, officials from Flynas, and the Riyadh Airports Company. Passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to giveaways before departure.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, the Saudi Ambassador to Kenya, Khalid Al-Salman, led a welcoming reception and officially opened the Flynas Nairobi office, underscoring the airline’s long-term commitment to the Kenyan market.

According to Flynas, the route will promote tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Kenya while supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to make the Kingdom a global aviation hub.

The carrier also aims to contribute to the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which targets connecting Saudi Arabia with 250 international destinations and accommodating 330 million passengers annually by 2030.

Founded in 2007, Flynas operates over 2,000 weekly flights across 139 routes in 30 countries and has flown more than 80 million passengers to date.