Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, flynas, is set to expand its global footprint with the launch of a new direct flight route connecting Jeddah to Prishtina, Kosovo, beginning October 1, 2025. The new service will operate three times a week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—linking King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah with Prishtina International Airport “Adem Jashari” (PRN), further supporting the Kingdom’s broader objectives under Vision 2030 and the National Civil Aviation Strategy.
This strategic addition aims to boost two-way tourism, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Kosovo. As the Balkan region grows in popularity among Middle Eastern travelers, Kosovo—particularly its vibrant capital, Prishtina—offers an appealing blend of historical heritage, natural beauty, and accessible European connections.
A Route Aligned with Vision 2030 Goals
The launch of the Jeddah-Prishtina route is another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become a global tourism hub. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the national economy by investing in tourism, with targets of welcoming 150 million tourists annually and connecting the Kingdom with 250 international destinations by the end of the decade.
flynas plays a critical role in realizing this vision. Since its inception in 2007, the airline has grown into a regional powerhouse, serving more than 38 million passengers across over 70 destinations. As the first Saudi airline to go public on the Tadawul stock exchange, flynas continues to invest in modern aircraft and network expansion, positioning itself as a key enabler of the Kingdom’s tourism and mobility ambitions.
Strategic Benefits for Saudi and Kosovan Travelers
For Saudi travelers, the new route offers convenient and affordable access to the Balkan Peninsula. Prishtina, with its Ottoman architecture, welcoming hospitality, and proximity to European hotspots like Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, is increasingly becoming a destination of interest for both leisure and business travelers.
Kosovan citizens, on the other hand, will benefit from direct access to Saudi Arabia, facilitating religious tourism to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as business and labor mobility. With a growing Muslim population in the Balkans, Saudi Arabia’s expanding aviation links with the region cater to rising demand for Hajj and Umrah travel services.
According to Kosovo’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, tourism in Kosovo has grown steadily over the past five years, with increasing interest from Middle Eastern markets. The new flynas service is expected to contribute to that growth by creating a direct and reliable air bridge between the two nations.
Supporting Regional and International Travel Goals
The introduction of the Jeddah-Prishtina route aligns with the Saudi National Civil Aviation Strategy, which seeks to serve 330 million air passengers annually by 2030. With the new service, flynas reinforces its goal of operating 165 destinations globally, bridging more regions and expanding its reach across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
As part of its growth strategy, flynas currently operates over 2,000 weekly flights, supported by a modern and efficient fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft. The new route will not only enhance connectivity between the Middle East and Europe but also support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to transform itself into a major global aviation and logistics hub.
flynas has been consistently recognized for excellence, winning Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for multiple consecutive years at the World Travel Awards and earning acclaim for its customer-focused approach and innovation in low-cost air travel.
Boosting Bilateral Relations and Tourism Ecosystems
The launch of this new route may also catalyze stronger bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Kosovo. As Saudi Arabia diversifies its tourism offerings and encourages outbound travel to emerging destinations, the Balkans offer untapped potential for partnerships in trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.
For the Kosovan tourism sector, which is working to build international visibility, the flynas service provides a welcome opportunity to attract tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. In 2023 alone, Kosovo recorded a sharp increase in hotel occupancy rates, particularly in Prishtina and its surrounding mountain and lake resorts.
Looking Ahead
As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation into a global tourism powerhouse, air connectivity remains central to realizing its ambitious goals. The addition of the Jeddah-Prishtina route underscores flynas’ commitment to that vision, while offering travelers exciting new ways to explore and connect across continents.
With more route announcements expected in the coming months, flynas is poised to play a leading role in redefining air travel in the Middle East and supporting the Kingdom’s emergence as a key global tourism destination.
For bookings and more details, passengers can visit the official flynas website or consult major travel booking platforms.
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