Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost airline, Flynas, has announced plans to commence direct flights between Riyadh and Nairobi in October, further enhancing connectivity between the Middle East and East Africa.
The new route is expected to position Nairobi as a key hub for travel, fostering greater ties in tourism, trade, and religious travel. According to Flynas Director of Corporate Communications, Waleed Alahmed, the service underscores the airline’s broader vision of expanding its international footprint.
“By connecting Riyadh and Nairobi, we aim to make travel more convenient and affordable, support Kenya’s tourism sector, create new opportunities for businesses on both sides, and reinforce Flynas’ international network of destinations in Africa, within the growth and expansion plan, launched under the title We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” Alahmed said.
The route aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Civil Aviation Strategy, which targets linking the Kingdom to 250 international destinations, accommodating 330 million passengers, and hosting 150 million tourists annually by 2030. It also supports the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP), aimed at making access to the Two Holy Mosques easier for worshippers from across the globe.
For Kenyan travelers, the direct flights will provide seamless access to Saudi Arabia for leisure, business, and pilgrimage. On the other hand, the service is anticipated to bring more Saudi visitors and investors into Kenya, bolstering the country’s economy.
Kenya now joins Flynas’ growing African network, which already includes Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Entebbe (Uganda), and Djibouti. The move highlights Saudi Arabia’s deepening partnerships across Africa, with aviation emerging as a key driver of regional growth and cooperation.
Industry analysts note that the Riyadh–Nairobi connection could strengthen Nairobi’s role as a gateway to East Africa, complementing Kenya’s strategy of expanding its aviation sector and tourism market. The development comes at a time when Kenya is actively courting Gulf investments and boosting ties with Middle Eastern countries.
With the launch of this route, Flynas not only advances Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism ambitions but also opens new opportunities for East Africa, signaling a win-win for both regions.