Flyadeal
A Saudi Arabian low-cost airline and subsidiary of Saudia serving domestic and international markets.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
Flyadeal is a Saudi Arabian low-cost airline headquartered at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. It was established by Saudia, Saudi Arabia's flag carrier, as part of the group's SV 2020 transformation program, which sought to modernize and strengthen the group's operating companies. Saudia announced the creation of the airline on 17 April 2016, and Flyadeal subsequently developed as a separately branded low-cost carrier within Saudia Group. The airline was designed to address several sources of anticipated aviation demand in Saudi Arabia. Its target customers included domestic travelers, visitors undertaking Hajj and Umrah, and the growing number of tourists entering the kingdom. The low-cost model positioned Flyadeal as a distinct offering from Saudia's full-service network, with an emphasis on relatively simple, price-focused air travel. Flyadeal began commercial operations on 23 September 2017 with a route linking Jeddah and Riyadh. From that initial domestic service, the airline expanded its network across Saudi Arabia and later added international destinations. A notable international development came on 10 June 2022, when Flyadeal started operating from Dammam to Cairo. The airline's international footprint has included markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, and in 2025 it entered South Asia with its first service to Pakistan, including a Riyadh–Lahore route announced for the 2025 winter schedule. Fleet development has been a major part of Flyadeal's growth strategy. In 2019, the carrier announced an intention to acquire 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with options for a further 20. This followed an earlier commitment involving the Boeing 737 MAX, which was not finalized after the worldwide grounding of that aircraft type. Flyadeal later proceeded with the Airbus narrow-body family, with deliveries of A320neo aircraft expected to begin in 2021. Its longer-term planning has contemplated a fleet of as many as 100 aircraft. In April 2025, Flyadeal also selected the Airbus A330-900 for planned dense, longer-haul operations, ordering 10 aircraft. The decision followed consideration of the Airbus A330neo, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the possible transfer of Boeing 777 aircraft from Saudia. The airline cited the A330-900's capacity and delivery considerations in choosing it for newer long-haul markets. Flyadeal maintains a codeshare relationship with Saudia, linking the low-cost carrier with its parent group's broader network. The airline has also experienced the operational risks associated with regional security conditions. On 10 February 2021, one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was damaged in a Houthi drone attack at Abha International Airport. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and the aircraft was repaired and returned to service. Flyadeal remains an active Saudia Group airline focused on expanding affordable air connectivity within Saudi Arabia and to selected international markets.
History
Flyadeal was created by Saudia in 2016 as part of the group's SV 2020 transformation strategy. The initiative was intended to develop Saudia Group's businesses into more competitive, modern aviation companies by the end of the decade. Flyadeal was assigned a low-cost role, complementing Saudia's full-service flag-carrier operation and targeting travelers whose primary requirement was affordable air transportation. Its intended customer base included Saudi domestic passengers, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and tourists expected to visit the kingdom in increasing numbers. Saudia announced the airline's creation on 17 April 2016. Flyadeal then prepared for operations as a distinct carrier with its own brand and operating model. Commercial service began on 23 September 2017, initially connecting Jeddah and Riyadh. This first route established the carrier's domestic foundation and placed it on one of Saudi Arabia's most important city pairs. The airline subsequently expanded beyond its initial route and developed a wider domestic and international network. Its international operations reached the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. On 10 June 2022, Flyadeal began flying from Dammam to Cairo, providing a documented example of its move into international services from a second Saudi base. In 2025, the carrier extended its geographic reach into South Asia with its first flights to Pakistan, including a Riyadh–Lahore service planned for the winter schedule. Fleet selection has shaped the airline's development. Flyadeal had previously committed to an order involving the Boeing 737 MAX, but did not finalize the equivalent order after the aircraft type was grounded worldwide. In July 2019, it instead disclosed plans for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft and options for another 20. By 2021, the airline was expected to begin receiving A320neo aircraft as part of a potential fleet expansion to 50 aircraft, while longer-term planning envisaged as many as 100 aircraft. Flyadeal later assessed aircraft suitable for longer and denser international markets. The alternatives included the Airbus A330neo, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the possible transfer of Boeing 777 aircraft from Saudia. On 23 April 2025, the airline selected the Airbus A330-900 and ordered 10 aircraft. The decision reflected the carrier's assessment that the A330-900 offered an appropriate capacity proposition, while the Dreamliner faced delivery-time and configuration considerations and the 777 was considered too large for the intended role. The airline also operates within the broader Saudia Group network through a codeshare agreement with Saudia. Its growth has taken place amid regional security challenges. On 10 February 2021, Flyadeal Airbus A320 HZ-FAB was damaged by a Houthi drone attack at Abha International Airport. The event did not result in reported injuries or fatalities, and the aircraft was subsequently repaired and returned to service. Flyadeal remains an active Saudi low-cost carrier, combining domestic connectivity with selective international expansion.
- 2025
Airbus A330-900 order
[1]Flyadeal ordered 10 Airbus A330-900 aircraft for planned dense long-haul markets.
- 2025
Entry into Pakistan
[1]The carrier expanded into South Asia with its debut Pakistan service, including Riyadh–Lahore operations.
- 2022
Dammam–Cairo route launches
[1]Flyadeal began operating flights from Dammam to Cairo on 10 June.
- 2021
A320neo deliveries planned
[1]Flyadeal was expected to begin receiving A320neo aircraft as part of a planned expansion toward a larger fleet.
- 2019
Airbus A320neo plan disclosed
[1]The airline announced an intention to order 30 A320neo aircraft with options for 20 more.
- 2017
Commercial operations begin
[1]Flyadeal began flying on 23 September with a Jeddah–Riyadh service.
- 2016
Saudia announces Flyadeal
[1]Saudia announced the creation of Flyadeal on 17 April as part of its SV 2020 transformation strategy.
Products and positioning
Saudi low-cost airline offering price-focused domestic and international passenger transport as part of Saudia Group.
Air transport · 2017
Domestic passenger flights
Flyadeal's original operating role is low-cost domestic air transport within Saudi Arabia. The network was established with the Jeddah–Riyadh route and later expanded to serve additional Saudi cities. Domestic flying supports the carrier's focus on price-sensitive travelers and complements Saudia's full-service network.
Air transport · 2022
International passenger flights
The airline operates international services from Saudi Arabia to selected markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Dammam–Cairo service, launched in 2022, was among the documented steps in this international expansion. The carrier later extended its reach into South Asia with Pakistan services.
Aircraft fleet · 2019
Airbus A320neo operations
The Airbus A320neo forms the basis of Flyadeal's narrow-body fleet expansion. The airline selected the type after not finalizing an earlier Boeing 737 MAX commitment, and planned an order of 30 aircraft plus 20 options. The aircraft supports high-frequency domestic and regional operations.
Aircraft fleet · 2025
Airbus A330-900 long-haul service
In 2025, Flyadeal ordered 10 Airbus A330-900 aircraft for planned newer, denser long-haul markets. The wide-body selection represented a potential expansion beyond the carrier's narrow-body foundation and followed consideration of competing Airbus and Boeing aircraft as well as aircraft transfers from Saudia.
Brand decisions
2025
Order of Airbus A330-900 aircraftProduct launchBackground
Flyadeal evaluated the Airbus A330neo, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and possible Saudia Boeing 777 transfers for dense long-haul markets.
Action taken
On 23 April 2025, Flyadeal ordered 10 Airbus A330-900 aircraft.
Aftermath
The order created a pathway for Flyadeal to enter newer long-haul markets with a wide-body aircraft suited to its stated capacity requirements.
2019
Selection of the Airbus A320neoGeneration changeBackground
Flyadeal had previously committed to a Boeing 737 MAX order but did not firm up the equivalent order after the type's worldwide grounding.
Action taken
The airline announced an intention to order 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft with options for a further 20.
Aftermath
The A320neo became the basis for the carrier's planned narrow-body growth and future fleet expansion.
Recent events
- 2025
Flyadeal orders Airbus A330-900 aircraft[1]
Product launch
After considering Airbus and Boeing wide-body alternatives, Flyadeal ordered 10 Airbus A330-900 aircraft for planned newer and denser long-haul markets.
- 2025
Flyadeal expands into Pakistan[1]
Product launch
Flyadeal launched its first South Asian services, including a Riyadh–Lahore route in the 2025 winter schedule.
- 2022
Flyadeal begins Dammam–Cairo service[1]
Product launch
Flyadeal started operating flights between Dammam and Cairo, marking a documented expansion of its international network.
- 2021
Flyadeal Airbus A320 damaged in Abha drone attack[1]
Other
An Airbus A320 operated by Flyadeal was damaged during a Houthi drone attack at Abha International Airport. The reported incident caused no injuries or fatalities, and the aircraft was later repaired and returned to service.
Sources4 sources
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