Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier flynas has announced two major international routes that will enhance global connectivity and support the Kingdom’s rising tourism goals. The airline will launch direct flights from Jeddah to Entebbe in March 2026 and to Moscow in December 2025. These additions strengthen flynas’ growing network across East Africa and Eurasia and align with Saudi Arabia’s long-term aviation and tourism strategies.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Global Connectivity

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for travel, commerce, and tourism. The National Civil Aviation Strategy sets an ambitious goal: connect Saudi Arabia with more than 250 destinations and handle 330 million passengers annually. flynas plays a major role in achieving these targets by expanding routes that open new economic and tourism opportunities.

The new services to Entebbe and Moscow reflect the Kingdom’s focus on increasing international visitor arrivals. They also support its objective of welcoming 150 million tourists every year by 2030, a goal backed by major tourism investments, expanded airports, and improved air mobility.

Jeddah–Entebbe Route Boosts East African Connectivity

flynas will begin direct Jeddah–Entebbe flights on March 24, 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights, building on its existing presence in Uganda. This new service complements the current Riyadh–Entebbe route, which runs five times a week.

With eight total weekly flights between Saudi Arabia and Uganda, travelers gain more flexibility. The route supports tourism, business travel, and the growing expatriate population. It also widens access to Uganda’s tourism hotspots, including Lake Victoria, national parks, and mountain adventure sites.

The move strengthens flynas’ expanding East African footprint, which already includes operations in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Asmara, and Djibouti. East Africa continues to be a high-growth market for Saudi Arabia, especially as both regions explore new cooperation in trade, aviation, and tourism development.

Saudi Arabia Launches First Direct Link to Moscow

Beginning December 23, 2025, flynas will introduce a direct Jeddah–Moscow route, making it the first Saudi carrier to fly nonstop between the two cities. The service will operate three times a week. It marks a significant step in deepening ties between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The route supports the Kingdom’s tourism strategy, which aims to attract more visitors from major global markets. Russia is a key target due to its growing outbound travel demand and interest in cultural, desert, and coastal tourism experiences in the Middle East.

Cooperation between flynas, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and the Air Connectivity Program has been central to launching this new route. The coordinated effort aims to strengthen tourism flows, encourage business exchanges, and introduce Saudi Arabia’s emerging destinations to Russian travelers.

Why These New Routes Matter for Tourism Growth

flynas’ expansion serves several strategic goals for Saudi Arabia:

1. Increased International Accessibility

Direct flights reduce travel time and open faster entry points for tourists. New routes create smoother access to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline, historical cities, and cultural attractions.

2. Enhanced Business Travel Opportunities

Moscow and East African cities are major commercial centers. More direct flights increase trade movement and business cooperation across markets.

3. Support for the Non-Oil Economy

Tourism is a pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. Expanding air routes accelerates new investments in hotels, entertainment districts, and travel services.

4. Higher Visitor Numbers

Russia and East Africa are key source markets. Improved connectivity is expected to draw more tourists, especially as Saudi Arabia eases visitor entry procedures for many nationalities.

flynas’ Broader Expansion Across Africa and Eurasia

The new services to Entebbe and Moscow follow several notable expansions:

Growing East African Network

• Launch of Riyadh–Nairobi direct flights in 2025
• Continued connectivity to Addis Ababa, Asmara, and Djibouti
• Increasing focus on tourism, medical travel, and business partnerships

East Africa’s rising travel demand makes it a priority region for flynas. The airline aims to introduce more routes as part of its plan to serve 165 domestic and international destinations.

Strengthening Presence in Russia and Europe

The new Moscow route opens the door for more connections in the future. Russia’s outbound travelers are exploring warmer destinations, historical sites, and new cultural experiences. Saudi Arabia offers these options year-round.

Impact on Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Vision

Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its tourism landscape. New megaprojects, upgraded airports, and flexible visa programs position the Kingdom as a top emerging destination. flynas’ expanded network directly supports these developments by improving access for millions of potential visitors.

Tourism destinations such as Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Red Sea are expected to benefit from the increased flow of tourists from East Africa and Russia. The new routes will also support pilgrimage travel, business conferences, and international events hosted in the Kingdom.

Conclusion: flynas Accelerates the Kingdom’s Global Tourism Push

flynas’ new direct routes from Jeddah to Entebbe and Moscow mark a decisive step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism ambitions. These strategic connections strengthen global accessibility, enhance regional partnerships, and support the country’s goal of becoming a world-leading tourism destination. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its tourism footprint, flynas remains a key force in shaping the future of international travel to and from the Kingdom.

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