Saudi Arabia’s flynas Launches Direct Flights Between Jeddah and Moscow

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier flynas has begun direct flights between Jeddah and Moscow, marking a new step in expanding air links between the Kingdom and Russia. The service, which started on December 23, will operate three times a week between King Abdulaziz International Airport and Vnukovo International Airport. flynas becomes the first Saudi airline to operate scheduled flights on this route.

The new service reflects the airline’s broader growth and expansion plans and supports Saudi Arabia’s national objectives for tourism and aviation. Strengthening these sectors is a core component of the Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

Saudi Arabia has already exceeded its initial target of attracting 100 million visitors ahead of schedule. The National Tourism Strategy now seeks to bring in 150 million travelers by the end of the decade, with expanded air connectivity playing a central role in achieving this goal.

“The inauguration ceremonies for the new route were held at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, where passengers on the inaugural flight were welcomed with commemorative gifts,” flynas said in a statement. The Jeddah–Moscow route is being operated in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Air Connectivity Program, the airline added.

Launched in 2021, the Air Connectivity Program is designed to create new international routes to support tourism in Saudi Arabia. It aligns with the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to connect the Kingdom with 250 international destinations through national carriers.

An official reception ceremony at Vnukovo International Airport was attended by representatives from the Saudi Embassy in Moscow, flynas, the Russian Tourism Authority, and Vnukovo Airport, highlighting the diplomatic and commercial significance of the route.

flynas has already begun regular direct flights between Riyadh and Moscow, which launched in August with four weekly services. The airline said it remains committed to expanding destinations and routes to provide more convenient travel options and strengthen relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The expansion into the Russian aviation market is part of flynas’ broader strategy under the initiative “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” which seeks to enhance international connectivity and support Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions. By offering more direct international services, the airline aims to facilitate travel, encourage tourism, and boost economic ties between the two nations.

With the Jeddah–Moscow route now operational, flynas strengthens its position as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s effort to grow its aviation network while supporting the country’s Vision 2030 goals for tourism and international engagement.