Saudi national carrier flynas has announced the launch of flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Bahrain, its third destination within the GCC following the UAE and Kuwait. The service will consist of three flights per week from Jeddah to Bahrain and three flights per week from Riyadh to Bahrain.

Ticket sales started on Oct. 4 for flights commencing Dec. 1. Introductory fares will start from as low as SR299.

Bander Al-Mohanna, NAS Holding Group CEO, said: “As close neighbors, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain continue to share a special and strategic relationship and we are very pleased that flynas is making travel between the two countries easier, more convenient and more affordable than ever before.”

Six million Saudis traveled to Bahrain in 2014, an increase of 19.3 percent compared to the previous year, making them by far the largest contingent of visitors from a total of 6.6 million GCC travelers to Bahrain. The significant increase acts as a strong testament to the growing business and leisure travel between the two countries, spurred by Bahrain’s business-friendly climate as well as its appeal as a weekend leisure destination for Saudi families.

Capt. Mansoor Al-Harbi, COO of flynas, said: “Flynas is continually expanding its services to include new regional destinations and we are delighted to add Bahrain to our GCC route network. Bahrain continues to remain one of the most popular business and leisure choices for residents of Saudi Arabia and flynas will add both capacity and choice for frequent commuters between these two countries.

“In addition, Saudi Arabia remains a prime destination for religious pilgrims from Bahrain. This is a high demand sector and we are expecting a great level of interest from the moment booking opens. Flynas’ attractive fare structure will give residents in both countries a more convenient and cost-effective option,” he added.