October 1st brings the first flight from Saudi Arabia to Kosovo

The morning of October 1st began with a new destination, the first flight from Saudi Arabia landed at Pristina International Airport "Adem Jashari".

Jeddah-Pristina and vice versa is the newest route added to the destinations by the "Flynas" airline and will be available to travelers 3 times a week.

In a special ceremony, the flight with the first passengers who arrived from Arabia to Kosovo was welcomed.

Hysen Durmishi, Acting Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, said that this day is very important in creating and further strengthening relations between the two states.

"Today is an important moment for aviation, a step and a bridge that strengthens the connection between the two countries. The opening of this line is more than a route: it offers endless opportunities for Albanians who want to explore the historical sites of this kingdom and facilitates the path to Mecca for Muslim believers. We believe that through journeys and contacts we will further strengthen the cooperation between our two peoples who have ancient traditions and culture. This line will increase tourism in Kosovo, will bring visitors from Arabia and they will enjoy the natural beauties, food and hospitality of our people", emphasized Durmishi.

The director of Pristina International Airport "Adem Jashari", Gökhan Acikgoz, added that the airport has made recent progress in adding new routes with the aim of also having an impact on the country's economic development.

"This journey is more than a journey, it is a bridge between our peoples and will make connections. At the airport, we have made great progress recently and have invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure safe and comfortable travel for all. Millions of passengers are expected to pass through our gates. It is a step towards economic development and today we begin our joint journey by working in mutual cooperation. I thank our partners who made this connection between peoples possible. This line marks a new chapter that strengthens relations between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia. Together we will achieve the success that we all want. Today's ceremony shows our contribution to increasing airline lines and passengers," he said.

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Tirana, Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, indicated that this line is a good opportunity for all Muslim believers who make the journey to Mecca and also encourages new investments.

"Today we celebrate the first line from Saudi Arabia to friendly Kosovo and open the office of the 'Flynas' company in Pristina as a connection point and direct service for our travelers. This event does not only represent the new line, but is a bridge of rapprochement in strengthening the two countries and will contribute in many areas. It reflects the shared commitment to opening new horizons between the two countries. The opening of the office of this company helps travelers with better quality services, especially those performing Hajj and Umrah. It will also develop the economy and encourage new investments between the two countries. I pray to God to bless this step and further deepen the cooperation between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia", he declared.

Interest in a direct line to Saudi Arabia has been long-standing, said Kosovo's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Lulzim Mjeku. He hopes that businesses will find a way for new investments in these two countries.

"This meeting today is historic, the inauguration of the line between Jeddah and Pristina is an open door for Saudi investors. Kosovo is an ideal place for investors. Businesses often ask if there is a direct flight between these countries and last year we signed the agreement for these services. Now governments have opened the door for businesses to explore cooperation opportunities, especially in the private sector. I hope they find themselves in the Saudi Arabian market," he said.

3 flights per week will be operated by the airline "Flynas". The vice president of this company, Abulelah Aledi, said that in the future the aim is to increase the number of flights and passengers.

"We have made history by connecting Kosovo with Saudi Arabia. This is part of our company's strategy. We want to increase the number of visitors to Arabia. Today we start with 3 flights per week to Jeddah and we hope that this number will increase, wishing you a pleasant flight with 'Flynas'", he emphasized.

With this new direct line between Jeddah and Pristina, travel becomes easier for both believers aiming for holy places, as well as for citizens who want to explore or develop business. Its inauguration is seen as an important step in strengthening relations between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia, promising increased tourism, investment and mutual cooperation.