flyadeal plans major India expansion, eyes Lucknow, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata
Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flyadeal is planning to expand its network in India, targeting cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Chennai. However, the airline noted that rising jet fuel prices have temporarily slowed these expansion plans.
Why it matters
Increased connectivity between Saudi Arabia and India reflects the strengthening economic and tourism ties under Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier flyadeal, part of Saudia Group, is planning a major expansion of its India network as air travel and tourism flows between India and Saudi Arabia continue to grow.
The airline, which launched a five-times-a-week service between Hyderabad and Saudi Arabia in July, has now expanded its footprint with a Riyadh-Mumbai service that began on October 3.
flyadeal is also evaluating flights connecting Saudi Arabia with Lucknow, Calicut, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata, Sanjiv Kapoor, acting Chief Executive Officer of flyadeal and Executive Vice-President, Strategy at Saudia Group, said.
The airline currently operates five flights a week between Mumbai and Riyadh using Airbus A320neo aircraft, adding more than 7,400 seats a month on the route.
“India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets and a strategic priority for flyadeal as we continue to expand our international network,” Mr. Kapoor said.
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