RIYADH- Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flyadeal (F3) will begin flights to India in 2026, connecting Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), and Medina (MED) with “four to five” destinations across the country. CEO Steven Greenway said the move is part of the airline’s strategy to expand international operations and reduce the reliance on third-country hubs such as Dubai (DXB) and Doha (DOH).
Greenway told Hindu BusinessLine that aircraft delivery delays have pushed back the airline’s India debut. He confirmed that flyadeal’s newest base in Medina will open early next year, solidifying the airline’s domestic and regional presence before its India launch.
flyadeal Eyes India Flights
Launched in 2017, flyadeal is a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, which also owns full-service carrier Saudia (SV). Together, the two airlines are reshaping Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape under the national Vision 2030 plan.
India will become flyadeal’s third South Asian market after Pakistan (ISB) and Bangladesh (DAC), with services to Indonesia (CGK) starting next week and Malaysia (KUL) by December.
So far, flyadeal’s operations have been largely domestic, complemented by 14 destinations across Jordan (AMM), Egypt (CAI), Syria (DAM), the UAE (DXB), and Turkey (IST). Until last year, international routes made up just 20% of its network. That share is now expected to rise to 50% as the airline accelerates growth beyond Saudi borders.
Supporting the Kingdom’s Aviation Ambitions
The expansion aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, a national initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism and aviation hub.
A major component of this vision is the introduction of Riyadh Air (RX), a new national carrier that began operations between Riyadh (RUH) and London (LHR) on October 26.
Greenway emphasized that flyadeal’s international growth complements Saudia’s broader role. While Saudia develops Jeddah (JED) as its hub over the next five years, flyadeal will concentrate on Riyadh (RUH), feeding traffic to Saudia’s long-haul routes across Africa, Europe, and North America.
Targeting Labour and Pilgrim Traffic
flyadeal’s India strategy focuses on direct point-to-point connections, targeting labor and pilgrimage traffic, particularly to Mecca.
The airline is studying secondary Indian airports beyond Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) to better serve Saudi Arabia’s three million-strong Indian community.
Greenway said the aim is not only to boost direct travel but also to reduce passenger diversion through Doha (DOH) and Dubai (DXB)—a practice that has historically benefited other Gulf carriers due to weaker connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia.
Fleet Expansion and Future Plans
flyadeal currently operates a fleet of 42 Airbus A320s and has ordered 51 additional aircraft, including the larger A321neo, which will enable longer-range operations such as to India’s eastern coast.
From 2027, the airline plans to induct 10 Airbus widebody jets over three years, marking its entry into long-haul services. These aircraft will initially serve destinations in Southeast Asia and Western Europe, with the possibility of expanding the order in the future.
Greenway added that while no formal partnership talks have begun with Riyadh Air, there is potential for future collaboration, allowing the new carrier to access flyadeal’s domestic and regional networks.
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