Flynas, a budget airline from Saudi Arabia, has initiated direct cargo flights between Entebbe and Riyadh. This service, operating on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, introduces 6 tons of weekly cargo capacity, with each flight accommodating 2 tons. The flights are designed for perishables such as fresh produce.
Wail Dagash, CEO of Jet Fresh Cargo, the airline's General Sales & Service Agent in Uganda, stated, "This is a game-changer for Uganda's exporters." He highlighted the logistics challenges that have previously hindered trade, noting the new direct link as a reliable connection to the Middle Eastern market.
The Entebbe-Riyadh route reduces delivery times significantly, with flights lasting 4 hours and 40 minutes. Departures occur at 4:20 am local time, arriving in Riyadh by 9 am. The schedule caters to fresh cargo, with booking available until 4 pm the previous day. Packages up to 120x160 cm are accepted.
In 2023, Uganda's exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to $8.18 million. Despite this, the trade balance favors Saudi Arabia, which exported $417 million to Uganda in the same year. Dagash remarked on the opportunity to narrow this gap, citing a 10% annual growth in Uganda's exports to Saudi Arabia over the past five years.
The Ugandan diaspora in Saudi Arabia, estimated at 150,000, contributes to the rising demand for Ugandan products. Dagash commented, "These flights don't just carry cargo — they carry culture and connection."
Flynas' strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to diversify trade and aviation portfolios. The airline, which began passenger services to Entebbe in January 2025, now operates 1,500 flights weekly across 139 routes, including 70 domestic and 69 international routes.
Dagash sees potential for expansion beyond Riyadh and Jeddah, suggesting further reach into the Gulf Cooperation Council region. He urged Ugandan producers to utilize this opportunity: "Let's use this corridor wisely. The window is open — our farmers and exporters must step through."
As of April 2025, Flynas remains the sole provider of direct air cargo flights from Entebbe to Riyadh. Other airlines, such as Emirates SkyCargo and Qatar Airways Cargo, offer services with layovers, making Flynas unique in providing a direct link.
Source: Nile Post