flyadeal plans major India expansion, eyes Lucknow, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata

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.

He said Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of India’s three largest international travel markets, with passenger and tourism flows between the two countries continuing to expand.

“We see tremendous potential to connect more travellers through convenient, affordable and reliable services,” Mr. Kapoor said.

However, higher fuel costs have emerged as a near-term constraint on the airline’s expansion plans. “The 100% increase in jet fuel prices in last six months has slowed down expansion plans and we will scale it up once prices stabilise,” Mr Kapoor said.

flyadeal’s India strategy comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to deepen global connectivity under its Vision 2030 programme. As a member of the Saudia Group, the carrier is expected to play a growing role in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitions to attract more international visitors and expand its aviation and tourism sectors.