RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline flynas has launched direct flights between Jeddah and Moscow, expanding air links between the Kingdom and Russia as Saudi carriers add international capacity to support tourism growth. 

The service, which began on Dec. 23, will operate three times a week between King Abdulaziz International Airport and Vnukovo International Airport, flynas said in a statement. The airline becomes the first Saudi carrier to operate scheduled flights on the Jeddah–Moscow route. 

The move aligns with the airline’s growth and expansion plan and supports the Kingdom’s national objectives for the tourism and aviation sectors. 

Strengthening tourism and aviation is a key pillar of the Vision 2030 program, as Saudi Arabia continues efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. 

Having already surpassed its initial target of attracting 100 million visitors ahead of schedule, Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy now aims to draw 150 million travelers by the end of the decade. 

“The inauguration ceremonies for the new route were held at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, where passengers on the inaugural flight were welcomed with commemorative gifts,” said flynas. 

The Jeddah–Moscow route is being operated in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Air Connectivity Program, the airline added.  

Launched in 2021, the Air Connectivity Program aims to develop new air routes to support the Kingdom’s tourism sector and aligns with the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which seeks to connect Saudi Arabia with 250 international destinations through national carriers. 

An official reception ceremony was held upon the aircraft’s arrival at Vnukovo International Airport, attended by representatives from the Saudi Embassy in Moscow, flynas, the Russian Tourism Authority, and Vnukovo Airport. 

In August, flynas launched its first regular direct flights between Riyadh and Moscow, operating four weekly services between the two capitals. 

“The airline remains committed to further expanding its destinations and routes to provide more reliable and convenient travel options for its guests, as part of its efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries,” said flynas.  

It added: “This expansion in the Russian aviation market aligns with flynas’ growth and expansion strategy launched under the title We Connect the World to the Kingdom.”