Saudi low-cost carrier flynas has launched its first scheduled flight from Al Qassim to Istanbul Airport, expanding its international network from a new operating base in the kingdom.
The airline said the launch marked a significant step in its growth strategy and route expansion plans. It also said the new Al Qassim base made flynas the first airline to operate six bases across Saudi Arabia.
Murad Levent, Strategic Customer Manager at flynas, said the opening of the Al Qassim base was a historic milestone for the company. He added that the airline was continuing to invest in line with its vision of “connecting the world to the Kingdom”.
Flynas is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carriers and has been widening its international presence in recent years. The start of services from Al Qassim to Istanbul Airport adds another link between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, one of the region’s busiest tourism and business destinations.
The airline did not give further details in the statement about flight frequency or capacity on the new route. But the move underlines the carrier’s wider push to strengthen its network from multiple domestic bases rather than concentrating operations in a single hub.
Istanbul Airport remains one of the world’s major transfer airports and a growing destination for passengers from the Gulf, Europe and Asia. New direct services from Saudi cities have helped boost two-way travel for tourism, family visits and business trips.
Flynas has pursued an aggressive expansion strategy across the Middle East and beyond, positioning itself as a low-cost connector for travellers looking for direct routes to major cities. The addition of Al Qassim to Istanbul is likely to support demand from central Saudi Arabia, where international air links are still developing.
The launch also comes as airlines in the region compete to add new city pairs and capture demand from price-sensitive travellers. For flynas, the first scheduled service from Al Qassim to Istanbul highlights both the company’s domestic base expansion and its focus on international growth.
