Saudi Arabia’s budget airline, flyadeal, is preparing to start operations in India within the next year, according to Chief Executive Steve Greenway, who spoke at the Skift Global Forum East in Dubai. As a subsidiary of Saudia, the low-cost carrier aims to tap into the growing travel demand from India while enhancing its regional presence.
“India is a crucial market for us because of its size and the significant flow of workers and religious travelers between India and the Kingdom,” Greenway stated. “We’re dedicated to making this happen in the coming year, while also looking at opportunities in China and Southeast Asia.”
A Strategic Move into India
With operational bases in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, flyadeal currently serves a domestic and international network that includes 30 destinations. The airline views India as a vital part of its growth strategy, seeking to engage with its large traveler population.
Greenway emphasized the collaboration between flyadeal and Saudia, noting:
“We already have a codeshare agreement with Saudia, which allows us to connect with its hubs and extensive European routes. Expanding into India will enhance this complementary network, providing benefits for passengers traveling to the Kingdom and beyond.”
Aggressive Expansion Plans
Flyadeal is set to launch 25 new routes in the next 3-4 months. By the end of 2024, the all-Airbus operator plans to grow its fleet to 38 aircraft, with further additions anticipated to support its ambitious growth plans.
The airline’s strategic focus is twofold:
Worker Traffic: Catering to the large population of Indian expatriates working in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.
Religious Tourism: Providing access for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj.
Flyadeal’s entry into India will intensify competition in the already vibrant air travel market. Indian travelers are likely to enjoy enhanced connectivity, better pricing, and a wider array of options for both religious and leisure travel.
Experts suggest that flyadeal’s potential to integrate with Saudia’s network and utilize its operational efficiency gives it a strong advantage in capturing market share in India.
Looking Ahead
With an expanding fleet and ambitious plans for new routes, flyadeal’s growth in India could transform travel experiences for millions. For travelers from the Subcontinent, the airline’s arrival is set to provide affordable and efficient connections to Saudi Arabia and beyond.
This announcement highlights flyadeal’s dedication to becoming a significant player in the region’s aviation sector, paving the way for new opportunities in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
