Flynas, Air Arabia Expand Direct Russia Routes

Flynas, the Saudi Arabian airline, inaugurated its first-ever direct flights between Riyadh and Moscow on August 1, 2025, operating three times per week to enhance tourism and strengthen Saudi-Russian relations. The launch aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to boost international connectivity and address growing demand, as Saudi tourist visits to Moscow have increased more than fivefold compared to the previous year. Air Arabia, the UAE's leading low-cost carrier, is also expanding with new direct flights from Ras Al Khaimah to Yekaterinburg and Kazan starting in October 2025. These developments reflect a broader trend of Middle Eastern airlines increasing direct links to Russia to meet rising tourism and business demand. The expansions by both Flynas and Air Arabia are expected to facilitate greater economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between the Gulf region and Russia. Regional aviation hubs are being strengthened as a result of these new routes.