Saudi Arabia's budget airline, flynas, is set to expand its operations by introducing new flights to Moscow, Russia. The airline will commence these flights on August 1, 2025. This development is part of flynas' strategy to grow its route network and aligns with Saudi Arabia's goals to diversify its economy beyond oil.
flynas will operate three weekly flights connecting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. "Once launched, flynas will be the only airline offering direct flights between Riyadh and Vnukovo Airport in Moscow," according to the press release. In October 2025, Saudia plans to start service to Moscow but will use Sheremetyevo International Airport instead.
Currently, all flights from Riyadh to Moscow involve at least one stopover through cities like Dubai or Istanbul. The new direct route covers a distance of 1,883 nautical miles (3,448 km). This expansion supports Saudi Arabia’s National Civil Aviation Strategy aiming for broader international connectivity by 2030.