RIYADH: Saudi low-cost airline flynas has launched a new direct route connecting Dammam鈥檚 King Fahd International Airport to the Red Sea, enhancing access to the Kingdom鈥檚 premier tourism destination.

The inaugural flight, which landed on Dec. 26, marked the first direct connection between the Eastern Province and the Red Sea International Airport.

The new routes support 抖阴短视频鈥檚 Vision 2030, which aims to make the Kingdom a global tourism hub by enhancing connectivity and infrastructure, while RSI is key in helping the nation attract a significant amount of tourists by the end of the decade.

The new service operates twice weekly, on Thursdays and Saturdays, and complements existing flights from Riyadh and Jeddah, strengthening RSI鈥檚 role as a domestic and international tourism hub.

Since September 2023, The Red Sea destination has hosted visitors at its five luxury resorts, supported by national carrier Saudia鈥檚 regular domestic services.

In 2024, RSI achieved another milestone by welcoming its first international flight from Dubai International Airport, operated by flydubai.

These developments highlight RSI鈥檚 growing role as a key gateway to 抖阴短视频鈥檚 tourism offerings.

Once fully operational, RSI will run entirely on renewable energy generated by 760,500 photovoltaic panels and one of the world鈥檚 largest off-grid battery energy storage systems.

Current airside operations, including lighting, navigation, and meteorological equipment, are already exclusively powered by renewable energy.

Upon its completion in 2030, the expansive development will feature 50 resorts offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential units across 22 islands and six inland sites.

The development will also feature luxury marinas, golf courses, diverse dining options, and entertainment facilities, positioning it as a global leader in sustainable and luxury tourism.

In November, flynas added two new African destinations to its network beginning on Jan. 8.

The airline will operate three weekly flights from Riyadh to Uganda and three from Jeddah to Djibouti, according to the company鈥檚 statement.

The expansion is part of the airline鈥檚 鈥淲e Connect the World to the Kingdom鈥� initiative and supports 抖阴短视频鈥檚 National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to expand connectivity to 250 international destinations and reach 330 million passengers.

The routes to Uganda and Djibouti also align with 抖阴短视频鈥檚 goal of welcoming 150 million tourists annually by 2030 and advancing the Pilgrims Experience Program, which seeks to streamline travel access to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Red Sea International is strategically located to serve 250 million people within a three-hour flight radius, covering the Middle East, parts of Europe, and Africa.