NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 28 – Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier flynas will launch three weekly direct flights between Riyadh and Nairobi starting October 2, 2025, marking its entry into Kenya’s aviation market.
Saudi’s budget carrier says the new service is expected to enhance connectivity between East Africa and the Middle East, supporting both tourism and trade flows.
For Kenyan travellers, the route provides direct access to Riyadh for business, leisure, and religious travel, while opening up opportunities for more Saudi visitors and investors into Kenya.
“By connecting Riyadh and Nairobi, we aim to make travel more convenient and affordable, support Kenya’s tourism sector, and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides,” said Waleed Alahmed, flynas Director of Corporate Communications.
The Riyadh–Nairobi service is part of flynas’ broader expansion in Africa.
The airline already operates flights to Addis Ababa, Entebbe, and Djibouti.
The addition of Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, signals growing interest from Gulf carriers in tapping the region’s fast-rising demand for air travel and strengthening trade links.
The launch also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-term aviation strategy, which seeks to expand connectivity to 250 international destinations and handle 330 million passengers annually by 2030.
Aviation analysts say Kenya stands to benefit from increased seat capacity and competition on Middle East routes, currently dominated by Gulf heavyweights Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia.
The move could also boost Nairobi’s positioning as a hub for regional and intercontinental traffic.
Tickets for the new route will be available through the airline’s website, mobile app, and accredited travel agents.
