Flynas Cargo flights open direct link between Uganda and Saudi Arabia

UGANDA – Flynas, a low-cost airline based in Saudi Arabia, has introduced direct cargo flights between Entebbe and Riyadh, bringing fresh hope to Ugandan exporters seeking quicker and more reliable access to the Middle Eastern market.

The airline now operates three cargo flights a week—on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—with each flight able to carry two tons of perishables, such as fresh produce.

This amounts to six tons of weekly cargo capacity between the two cities. Flights leave Entebbe at 4:20 a.m. local time and land in Riyadh at 9:00 a.m., with the entire journey taking just under five hours.

Wail Dagash, CEO of Jet Fresh Cargo and the airline’s General Sales and Service Agent in Uganda, described the development as a “game-changer for Uganda’s exporters.” He added, “These flights don’t just carry cargo — they carry culture and connection.”

For years, logistics delays have limited Uganda’s presence in Saudi markets. With this direct route now in place, exporters no longer need to depend on slower cargo options that involve layovers in other countries. Dagash stressed the importance of seizing the moment: “Let’s use this corridor wisely. The window is open — our farmers and exporters must step through.”

Uganda exported goods worth US$8.18 million to Saudi Arabia in 2023. While this number has shown 10% annual growth over the past five years, it still falls short when compared to the $417 million in Saudi exports to Uganda in the same period. Dagash believes the new route can help bridge this trade gap.

He also pointed to the demand from the growing Ugandan diaspora in Saudi Arabia, estimated at around 150,000 people. Their continued interest in products from home adds another layer of value to this new cargo option.

Strategic growth for Flynas

The move ties into Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030, which aims to grow the kingdom’s economic and aviation sectors. Flynas began its passenger service to Entebbe in January 2025 and currently operates 1,500 flights weekly across 139 routes—70 domestic and 69 international.

Dagash hinted at future plans to expand cargo routes beyond Riyadh and Jeddah. “There’s room to grow into other parts of the Gulf Cooperation Council region,” he said, encouraging Ugandan producers to stay alert to more openings.

The Flynas expansion isn’t the only recent news in Uganda’s air cargo sector. Uganda Airlines and Emirates SkyCargo have also signed a new interline agreement.

This deal will allow cargo booked through Uganda Airlines to connect with Emirates’ global network, further improving options for Ugandan businesses seeking overseas markets.

As of April 2025, Flynas remains the only airline offering direct cargo flights from Entebbe to Riyadh, with others such as Emirates and Qatar Airways still operating with stopovers. For exporters of perishables, that speed and direct access may make all the difference.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.