The launch of direct flights between Russia and Saudi Arabia will promote tourism and business ties between the two countries, Saudi Ambassador to Moscow Abdel Rahman bin Suleiman al-Ahmad told TASS.
On August 1, regular direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Russia will commence, with the first scheduled service from Riyadh landing at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport. The route is operated by Saudi budget airline Flynas.
“Establishing direct air service will foster tourism and investment activity between our two countries, especially as more Russian tourists will be able to enjoy a diverse range of travel experiences in the Kingdom,” the ambassador said. “It will also contribute to the growth of religious pilgrimages and activate the business sector.” Al-Ahmad also praised the broader collaboration with Russia, noting that such cooperation “aligns with our shared ambition to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between both nations.”
The inaugural Flynas flight—an Airbus A320—is scheduled to arrive in Moscow at 14:00. Flynas has been authorized to operate up to four flights per week, from August 1 until October 25 (the end of the current spring–summer schedule), using both Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
Air connections between Russia and Saudi Arabia were suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After strict travel bans were lifted, direct flights remained on hold because of low demand for tourism. According to Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Vladimir Poteshkin, the resumption became possible following three years of joint work between Russia’s Ministry of Transport, Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia), and Saudi counterparts, with support from the Federation Council and Prosecutor General’s Office. Ultimately, Rosaviatsia granted Flynas permission to operate regular flights on the Riyadh–Moscow route.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on TASS materials