RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier flynas is set to become the sole low-cost airline operating from four bases within the Kingdom, following a recent agreement.
In a significant development, flynas has inked a deal with Tibah Airports Operation Co. to establish its latest operations hub at Madinah Airport in line with its expansion and growth plans, according to a press release.
This expansion also aligns with the goals outlined in the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which seeks to facilitate national air carriers in playing a pivotal role in connecting Saudi Arabia with the global aviation network.
Additionally, it falls in parallel with the goals of the Pilgrims Experience Program, which aims to enhance access to the two holy mosques.
Bander Al-Mohanna, CEO and managing director of flynas, said: “Our investment in the new operations center at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, which is our fourth center in the Kingdom, comes within the framework of enhancing our operational capabilities and diversifying our international and domestic destinations and routes.”
He added: “The step is in accordance with our strategy for growth and expansion, and it confirms our confidence in the potential of the Saudi market and the ambitious national goals for the air transport sector.”
The CEO also highlighted the expected job opportunities that this expansion will generate for locals, including ground crews, air cabin crews, and pilots.
“It is expected that the domestic and international destinations and routes that will be linked to Madinah airport will begin operating at the end of the last quarter of the current year 2023, coinciding with taking delivery of new aircraft to further upscale flynas fleet,” Al-Mohanna added.
Sofiene Abdessalem, managing director of Tibah Airports Operation Co., emphasized that this agreement solidifies the strong partnership between the two entities.
It also aligns with Tibah Airports Operation Co.’s mission to bolster the capabilities of national carriers, attracting more pilgrims and visitors while expanding global and local destinations connected to Madinah Airport.
Established in 2017, flynas has ever since transported more than 60 million passengers.
In 2023, it received recognition as the world’s fourth-best low-cost airline and the best in the Middle East for the sixth consecutive year.
With a fleet of 51 aircraft, flynas operates more than 1,500 weekly flights to over 70 domestic and international destinations.
