Saudi Low-Cost Airline Flynas Launches Direct Flights to Entebbe

The low-cost carrier's Entebbe route will be music in the ears of the labour externalisation market holders and prospective travellers given Uganda exports thousands of labour force to the Kingdom
Flynas, a Saudi-based low-cost carrier, has officially launched direct flights connecting the Gulf nationa's capital Riyadh to Entebbe, further enhancing Uganda's international aviation links.
The inaugural ,Flight XY345, an Airbus 320 Neo, landed at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 3:30am and departed at 4:30am, receiving a grand welcome with a water cannon salute.
Flynas will operate three weekly flights to Entebbe every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
It's arrival is expected to boost the Pilgrims Experience Programme to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques, trade and tourism as well as the ever growing labour externalisation sector in the Kingdom.
This move strengthens the growing ties between Uganda and Saudi Arabia, a key destination for Ugandan migrant workers.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) welcomed this development, emphasizing its significance in boosting trade, tourism, and labor mobility.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority warmly welcomes Flynas, which commenced direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe with an inaugural flight that landed at Entebbe International Airport at 0330 hours and departed at 0430 hours on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
The Airbus 320 neo was… pic.twitter.com/Heyf7Jaibg
— Uganda CAA (@UgandaCAA) January 18, 2025
"Uganda Civil Aviation Authority warmly welcomes Flynas, which commenced direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe," stated CAA.

An inauguration celebration was held at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, attended by representatives from Flynas and Riyadh Airports Company, under the title “We Connect the World to the Kingdom.”
With Flynas now operating three weekly flights, it joins major carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Belgium's KLM, Ethiopian Airlines and Uganda Airlines in offering expanded travel options for Ugandans and international passengers.
The affordable fares and direct route to Saudi Arabia are expected to drive economic activity, especially in labor export and tourism.

As the demand for cost-effective and efficient travel continues to grow, Flynas' entry is a welcome addition to Uganda's aviation sector.
In 2022, Uganda saw a significant increase in labour migration to Saudi Arabia, with about 77,914 securing employment in the Arab nation, a substantial rise from the annual average of 24,086 migrant workers to the Middle East between 2016 and 2021.
This surge is largely attributed to a bilateral labor agreement between Uganda and Saudi Arabia, facilitating employment opportunities for Ugandans in the Kingdom.
The remittances from these migrant workers have become a vital part of Uganda's economy, contributing approximately $600 million annually.
About Flynas
Flynas Airlines is a leading low-cost carrier based in Saudi Arabia, established in 2007. The airline was initially launched under the name Nas Air before rebranding to Flynas in 2013.
It operates as a subsidiary of the National Aviation Services Holding Company, owned by prominent Saudi investors.
Headquartered in Riyadh, Flynas aims to provide affordable and high-quality air travel within the region and beyond. Its fleet primarily consists of modern Airbus A320 aircraft, ensuring efficiency and comfort for passengers.
Flynas operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 1,500 weekly flights, connecting major Saudi cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam with regional destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
The airline has also expanded its reach to Europe and other global destinations, offering seasonal and chartered flights.
Committed to customer satisfaction, Flynas has received multiple awards, including the Middle East's Leading Low-Cost Airline.
With a focus on affordability, punctuality, and safety, Flynas continues to grow as a key player in Saudi Arabia's aviation industry, supporting the country’s Vision 2030 goals by boosting tourism and enhancing air connectivity.