Saudi Arabia’s Flynas is set to expand its footprint in the African market with the introduction of new services to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) in Ethiopia. The low-cost carrier (LCC) will commence operations from two of its key Saudi bases, Jeddah and Riyadh, starting on October 9th, 2023. This strategic move reflects Flynas’ commitment to enhancing its network and catering to the growing demand for air travel between Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.
Flynas will operate three weekly flights on each of the newly established routes, connecting Jeddah and Riyadh to the Ethiopian capital. The airline’s decision to launch services on these routes underscores its dedication to providing pilgrims and visitors with convenient travel options between the two countries.
The Ethiopian aviation market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increased trade, tourism, and business opportunities. As a result, airlines like Flynas are keen to tap into this burgeoning market, offering more options and contributing to the region’s economic development.
Both Saudi Arabian Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines currently operate flights between ADD and Jeddah. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines serves the ADD-Riyadh route, with Saudi Arabian Airlines codesharing on these flights. With Flynas entering the scene, passengers can expect increased competition, potentially leading to more affordable fares and improved service quality.
Flynas, headquartered in Riyadh, boasts a diverse fleet of 43 Airbus A320-family aircraft for its scheduled network, complemented by four A330s specially designated for religious pilgrimages. The airline has a promising future, with an impressive order book of 92 aircraft, which will further bolster its operations. Among these orders are at least 10 A321XLRs, demonstrating Flynas’ commitment to modernizing its fleet and expanding its reach.
Currently, Flynas operates an extensive network encompassing 90 routes spanning 21 countries. This network is supported by more than 1,500 weekly flights, making Flynas a prominent player in the Middle East and North African aviation landscape. The addition of the Addis Ababa routes not only strengthens the airline’s presence in Africa but also aligns with its broader strategy of connecting diverse destinations and serving the needs of a growing customer base.
The introduction of these new routes comes at a time when the aviation industry is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As travel restrictions ease and passenger confidence rebounds, Flynas’ expansion into Addis Ababa positions the airline to capitalize on the resurgence in demand for air travel.