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The city of Rize in Türkiye marked a significant development Thursday with the commencement of the first direct flight from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, to Rize-Artvin International Airport. This service is operated by the Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas.
This development represents an important advancement in fostering tourism and economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The new route is anticipated to bolster Rize’s position as an international tourist destination, recognized for its remarkable natural landscapes and cultural diversity.
The inaugural flight was welcomed with a water salute—a traditional ceremony—where fire trucks sprayed arcs of water over the arriving aircraft in celebration. The event was attended by officials and tourism and aviation sector representatives, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a commemorative cake.
The passengers were welcomed by Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Alper Avluk, Rize-Artvin Airport Director Murat Keskinkilish and tourism businesses with flowers and traditional musical instruments (tulum).
Local authorities highlighted that the new route will boost tourist arrivals from the Gulf and the wider Arab world to Rize, often dubbed the “Capital of Green and Blue” for its lush landscapes and Black Sea coastline.
Officials also praised the Turkish government’s efforts in developing the airport’s infrastructure. Officially opened in May 2022, Rize-Artvin Airport is emerging as a promising hub for nature tourism.
Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu said in a statement, “Today, the first flight from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, landed in Rize, the capital of green and blue.” He added that with the start of flynas operations to Rize-Artvin Airport, “Rize, already a favorite for nature tourism, is now becoming a favorite for the world.”
Rize-Artvin Airport is the second airport in Türkiye and the fifth in the world to be constructed on the sea. It is a significant project that supports the local community, tourism, and trade with its advanced infrastructure, transportation capacity, and distinctive architectural design.
The airport, built on 100 million tons of sea fill in the Pazar district of Rize, has a 3,000-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway and an apron with a capacity for seven aircraft. Since its official opening in May 2022, Rize-Artvin Airport has served nearly 3 million passengers.
The airport's tea glass-themed Air Traffic Control Tower, the Tea Museum in the terminal building, and the Black Sea architecture make it not only a transportation point but also one of the symbolic structures of the region.
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