Saudi airline - Flynas becomes an affiliate member of the UN World Tourism Organization

The Saudi Press Agency said on Sunday that Flynas, the airline based in Saudi Arabia, has joined the UN World Tourism Organisation as an affiliate member. Flynas thus becomes the first low-cost airline in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia to join the group. The action supports the Kingdom's efforts to improve the future of the international travel industry and further solidifies the airline's commitment to promote sustainable global tourism. It also fits with the airline's own sustainability policy.

Affiliate members, which include more than 500 businesses, academic and research institutes, and nonprofit organisations, are an essential part of UNWTO's membership. They may take part in conversations, exchange ideas, and take initiative to promote the growth of environmentally friendly international travel.

In line with the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, knowledge and innovation utilisation are essential to the promotion of ethical and competitive tourism. This move by Flynas, which comes after the airline opened its regional office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021, highlights the company's ranking among the top five low-cost carriers in the world according to Skytrax.

The managing director and CEO of Flynas, Bander Al-Mohanna, stated that the airline's membership contributed to its ranking as the world's fourth-best low-cost carrier. In keeping with its dedication to implementing activities that have a beneficial influence on society, the environment, and the economy, he continued, Flynas' sustainability plan was in accordance with membership objectives.   According to him, Flynas prioritises sustainability in all aspects of business operations, in keeping with Saudi Arabia's objective of having no greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.

In August, Flynas became the first low-cost airline in the Middle East to sign up for the world's largest business sustainability project—the UN Global Compact effort. The World Tourism Organisation has selected Saudi Arabia to host its 26th General Assembly session in 2025. The choice emphasises the Kingdom's rising stature in the world travel and tourist market.

At a recent conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the UNWTO re-elected the Kingdom as chair of the Executive Council for the year 2024.