Middle East’s low-cost airline–Flynas is eying pilgrims, business and leisure travellers as it commences operations between Riyadh and Nairobi, the first direct flights between the two cities which commence today (October 2).
The Saudi Arabian airline will operate the Airbus A320neo on the new route with a capacity of 174 seats, flying three times a week between the Kenyan capital which is East Africa’s economic hub and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and main financial hub.
Nairobi becomes the fifth Sub-Saharan city that the Saudi airline will be flying to after Addis Ababa, Djibouti, Asmara (Eritrea) and Entebbe (Uganda).
Speaking in Nairobi ahead of today’s inaugural flight, Flynas chief commercial officer, Stefan Magera, said the move is part of the carrier’s expansion plans as it seeks to drive its growth while supporting trade, investments and tourism mainly for Kenya.
“Nairobi and Riyadh were not connected but now we are able to connect our hub in Riyadh with Nairobi. We have received very positive feedback from the market. Pre-bookings are also very positive and therefore we are confident that this route will be a success,” Magera said.
Saudi Arabia is increasing investments in key sectors of Kenya’s economy among them infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy and mining, with a strategic focus on expanding opportunities at the Port of Lamu.
Major investment institutions such as the Saudi Export-Import Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) are partnering with Kenya, while Saudi companies in various industries are exploring collaborations following recent trade missions and business forums.
This growing economic engagement aims to strengthen bilateral ties, promote economic growth and leverage Kenya as a platform for broader Saudi investment in Africa.
While Saudi is not a major tourist source, with at least 1,920 visitors to Kenya last year as per the Tourism Ministry, direct flights are expected to drive this numbers up.
Last year, Middle East region’s main purpose of travel to Kenya was holiday or leisure with those from Israel, Islamic Republic of Iran, Yemen and Saudi Arabia accounting for 62 per cent, 68 per cent, 35 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively.
Kenyan travellers will have easier access to Saudi Arabia for leisure, business and religious trips such as Umrah and Hajj.
Kenya exports products such as tea, coffee, flowers and fresh produce to Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia supplies oil, petrochemicals and manufactured goods to Kenya, with direct flights, which cut travel times to four hours, expected to boost trade.
Kenya Airports Authority chairman Caleb Kositany emphasized on the need for continued partnerships in promoting business and tourism between the two countries.
“Nairobi is a favourite destination, and we intend to fully capitalise on that. We have ambitious plans to upgrade infrastructure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other airports across the country to make Kenya more competitive regionally and globally. We welcome all partners who are keen to do business with us,” said Kositany.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Kenya, Khaled Al Salman, said: “The flight serves as a gateway of strategic importance, enhancing access to the Gulf region and unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment and tourism for Kenya. It will also foster cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people connections, enriching both our nations.”
by MARTIN MWITA
