Kenyan travelers and the travel industry are set to benefit from enhanced connectivity to Saudi Arabia, as Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flynas announces the launch of three weekly direct flights between Riyadh and Nairobi starting 2 October 2025. The airline will operate the route using modern A320neo aircraft, offering passengers a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
The flights are scheduled to depart Riyadh on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays at 22:00, arriving in Nairobi at 03:10 the following day. The return flights will leave Nairobi at 04:00 on Fridays, Sundays, and Wednesdays, landing in Riyadh at 09:00.
This new connection comes at a strategic time, coinciding with Riyadh Season 2025, one of the Middle East’s largest entertainment and cultural festivals. The event presents Kenyan travelers with an opportunity to explore world-class performances, shopping, dining, and unique cultural experiences, while also encouraging travel agents to create compelling leisure packages that combine the festival with other Saudi attractions.
KATA (Kenya Association of Travel Agents) recently hosted a courtesy visit from flynas Senior Sales Executive – Africa, Mohamed Elsamman, and Country Representative, Mercy Wambui, ahead of the inaugural flight. The association hailed the route as a milestone for tourism, trade, and religious travel, opening wider opportunities for Umrah and Hajj packages, business tourism, and leisure travel, while strengthening Nairobi’s position as a regional hub.
“Connecting Riyadh and Nairobi is a game-changer for both countries. It makes travel more convenient and affordable, supports Kenya’s tourism sector, and creates new business opportunities on both sides,” said Mohamed Elsamman. KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula added, “We welcome flynas to the Kenyan market and look forward to leveraging this new route to grow tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.”
Kenya becomes the fourth East African destination in flynas’ African network, joining Addis Ababa, Entebbe, and Djibouti. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to connect the Kingdom to 250 international destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers, and host 150 million tourists annually by 2030. It also supports the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP), facilitating access to the Two Holy Mosques.
The new flights not only provide Kenyan travelers with direct access to Saudi Arabia for leisure, business, and religious purposes but also open the door for more visitors and investors from the Kingdom, strengthening bilateral trade and cultural ties.
With the inaugural flight set for 3 October 2025, travel agents and industry stakeholders are encouraged to start promoting attractive packages and offers to capitalize on this new route and the growing demand for Saudi Arabia as a destination.
More routes. More opportunities. More value for travelers and agents alike.