Saudi Arabia and Riyadh are taking another step towards expanding domestic aviation capabilities as Flynas develops a new training centre backed by an investment of more than SAR200 million. The facility is designed to train pilots and cabin crew locally, supporting the airline’s expanding operations while strengthening the country’s aviation workforce. Construction has begun, with the centre scheduled to open in 2028. Located in Riyadh’s Al Rimal district, the approximately 13,000-square-metre facility will sit less than ten minutes from King Khalid International Airport, placing training infrastructure close to one of the country’s principal aviation gateways.
The centre will initially feature three flight simulators, with plans for the facility to eventually expand to 14 simulators.
For Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism ambitions, this is more than another training building. It is a major investment in the people needed to keep the country’s expanding air network moving.
Flynas Puts More Than SAR200 Million Into Training
Flynas has committed more than SAR200 million to developing its new Riyadh training centre.
At the Saudi riyal’s fixed exchange rate against the US dollar, that investment is equivalent to approximately US$53 million.
The scale of the investment reflects the importance of aviation skills as Saudi Arabia expands its airline industry and international connectivity.
Rather than depending heavily on overseas training infrastructure, the facility will provide Flynas with a dedicated location for pilot and cabin-crew development.
That can simplify training logistics while placing employees closer to the airline’s operational base.
Riyadh Becomes The Training Hub
The centre will occupy approximately 13,000 square metres in the Al Rimal district of Riyadh.
Its location is particularly significant.
The facility is planned to be less than 10 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, allowing airline personnel to move between training and operational facilities efficiently.
For an airline, proximity matters.
Pilots and cabin crew require recurrent training, simulator sessions and other forms of professional preparation throughout their careers.
Having these facilities close to the airport can make scheduling easier and reduce the need for extensive travel between training locations and airline operations.
Three Simulators Will Come First
When the centre opens, it is planned to have three flight simulators.
These systems allow pilots to train for routine operations as well as emergency scenarios without putting an aircraft or passengers at risk.
Simulator training is a core part of modern airline operations because pilots must demonstrate proficiency across a range of situations.
The centre’s initial simulator capacity will therefore provide Flynas with dedicated infrastructure for pilot preparation and recurrent training.
But the expansion does not stop there.
The Facility Could Grow To 14 Simulators
Flynas plans for the training centre to eventually accommodate 14 flight simulators.
That would represent substantial growth from the initial three.
The expansion could allow the facility to support a much larger training operation as Flynas grows its fleet and workforce.
It also provides room for the centre to evolve alongside the airline.
Training infrastructure can be expanded as additional aircraft enter service and as more pilots and cabin crew require certification and recurrent training.
The planned simulator expansion therefore connects directly to longer-term airline capacity.
Local Training Supports Aviation Workforce Growth
Saudi Arabia’s aviation ambitions require more than aircraft and airports.
Airlines need pilots, cabin crew, engineers, instructors and other specialised professionals to support growing operations.
The Flynas training centre addresses part of that workforce requirement.
Training employees in Saudi Arabia can also make professional development more closely aligned with local airline operations.
For pilots and cabin crew, the centre could provide a structured pathway from training to operational readiness.
That makes workforce development an increasingly important component of the country’s aviation expansion.
Tourism Depends On Aviation Skills
The project has an indirect but important tourism connection.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector depends heavily on air connectivity.
More flights require more aircraft, crews and trained aviation professionals.
If airlines expand services without sufficient trained personnel, workforce availability can become a constraint.
A larger domestic training capacity can therefore support the expansion of passenger services.
For international tourists, the result could eventually be more flight options and stronger connectivity between Saudi destinations and international markets.
King Khalid International Airport Adds Strategic Value
The centre’s proximity to King Khalid International Airport strengthens its operational role.
The airport is one of Saudi Arabia’s major international gateways and serves Riyadh, the country’s capital and largest business centre.
Locating the training facility nearby creates an operational link between aviation education and active airline services.
For Flynas, this can support a training environment closely connected to everyday airline operations.
It also places the facility within Riyadh’s broader aviation ecosystem.
2028 Is The Key Opening Date
The Flynas training centre is scheduled to open in 2028.
That gives the project a defined milestone as Saudi Arabia continues developing its aviation infrastructure.
Construction has already begun, according to the project announcement.
Once operational, the centre will provide dedicated pilot and cabin-crew training facilities in Riyadh.
Its initial three simulators will establish the first stage, while the planned expansion to 14 simulators provides a longer-term capacity target.
Travel And Tourism Implications
The centre will not directly change passenger travel schedules when it opens.
Its significance is longer term.
A stronger domestic aviation workforce can support airline expansion, fleet growth and operational reliability.
For travellers visiting Saudi Arabia, that could eventually contribute to increased connectivity between Riyadh and other domestic and international destinations.
Tourism businesses may also benefit if expanded airline capacity makes Saudi cities easier to reach.
The effect will depend on Flynas’s future fleet, route network and workforce requirements.
Key Stats And Project Indicators
More than SAR200 million: Planned investment.
Approximately US$53 million: Approximate equivalent investment.
2028: Scheduled opening year.
13,000 square metres: Approximate facility size.
3: Initial number of flight simulators.
14: Planned eventual simulator capacity.
Less than 10 minutes: Approximate distance from King Khalid International Airport.
Location: Al Rimal district, Riyadh.
FAQ: Flynas Training Centre
1. When will the Flynas training centre open?
The facility is scheduled to open in 2028.
2. How much is Flynas investing?
The planned investment exceeds SAR200 million, equivalent to approximately US$53 million at the riyal’s fixed exchange rate.
3. How many flight simulators will the centre have?
The facility is planned to open with three simulators and eventually expand to 14.
Timeline And Key Dates
Construction phase: Development of the Riyadh training centre is underway.
2026: The project is progressing as part of Flynas’s aviation workforce expansion.
2028: Scheduled opening of the training centre.
Initial operation: Three flight simulators planned.
Future expansion: Capacity planned to increase to 14 simulators.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s aviation expansion is increasingly focused on the people behind the aircraft, and Flynas’s new Riyadh training centre places that strategy firmly on the ground.
With an investment exceeding SAR200 million, a 13,000-square-metre facility, three initial simulators and a long-term target of 14, the centre is being built to support a growing aviation workforce.
Its location near King Khalid International Airport adds another practical advantage. For tourism, the bigger story is connectivity. More trained aviation professionals can support more aircraft, more routes and more passengers — and Riyadh is preparing the training room before the next wave of travellers arrives.
