KAMPALA, Uganda — Flynas, a Saudi-based low-cost carrier, has inaugurated a new route connecting Entebbe to Riyadh, aimed at enhancing trade and tourism between Uganda and Saudi Arabia.
The inaugural flight, which took off from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, landed at Entebbe International Airport on January 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion plans.
Flynas’ entry into the Ugandan market is expected to boost trade and tourism between the two countries, with the airline offering competitive fares and convenient flight schedules. The new route will operate three times a week, with flights departing from Riyadh every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Uganda and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing trade relationship, with Saudi Arabia being one of Uganda’s key export markets. In 2022, Uganda exported goods worth over $100 million to Saudi Arabia, including coffee, cotton, and tobacco.
However, the trade relationship between the two countries is not limited to exports. Thousands of Ugandans travel to Saudi Arabia every year for work, with many employed as domestic workers, drivers, and laborers. In 2022, over 77,000 Ugandans secured employment in Saudi Arabia, sending back remittances worth millions of dollars.
The new route launched by Flynas is expected to facilitate the travel of Ugandans to Saudi Arabia for work, as well as boost tourism and trade between the two countries. According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the new route is expected to increase the flow of tourists and business travelers between Uganda and Saudi Arabia, with the airline’s competitive fares and modern fleet expected to be a major draw.
Flynas’ expansion into Uganda is also seen as a significant boost to the country’s economy, with the airline expected to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. The airline has already begun recruiting local staff, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground handling personnel.
The launch of the new route was attended by senior officials from Flynas, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and the Ugandan government, who hailed the development as a major milestone in the country’s aviation history.
Flynas’ expansion into Uganda is part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand its presence in Africa, with the airline already operating flights to several destinations on the continent. The airline has also announced plans to launch new routes to other African destinations in the coming months.
