Riyadh : Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas has joined the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as part of its efforts to support the development of a sustainable and affordable tourism industry.

Over the past few months, the airline has forged closer ties with the United Nations' environmental and tourism agencies, including becoming the first Middle Eastern low-cost carrier to join forces with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in August.

On November 26, Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director, Flynas, said that the airline's continued commitments to building a green aviation industry are in line with Saudi Arabia's own carbon neutrality goals.

Almohanna added, "Flynas joining the organisation as the first Saudi airline and the first low-cost carrier in the Middle East will reinforce its position as the 4th best low-cost airline in the world, pointing out that the membership goals comes in line with Flynas' sustainability plan, which focuses on adopting initiatives with a sustainable impact on the environment, society, and the economy."

The latest update sees flynas align with the UNWTO as an affiliate member, a first for Saudi Arabia. According to the carrier, its participation in the programme will see it collaborate with over 500 other companies to bolster sustainable tourism efforts throughout the Middle East and beyond.

The agency opened its first Middle East regional official in Riyadh in 2021, with the close proximity allowing Flynas to strengthen its cooperation with the UNWTO.