Flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing budget carrier, has announced the launch of five new destinations from Medina at the start of the new year, marking a significant expansion of its operations from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. The new routes include one international destination, Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport, alongside four domestic services to Abha, Al-Ahsa, Tabuk, and Jazan, according to the airline’s official announcement.
This expansion brings the total number of flyadeal destinations from Medina from three to eight, representing a 40 percent increase in operational capacity. Prior to this launch, the carrier operated flights from Medina exclusively to Dammam, Riyadh, and Cairo.
Flyadeal Expansion Strategy Drives Growth
The enhanced schedule has increased weekly flights operated by flyadeal from Medina to 88, providing travelers with broader options and greater flexibility. The airline has permanently stationed two aircraft at Medina airport, establishing it as a key operational base alongside existing hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal, stated that the launch of five new destinations at the year’s beginning clearly reflects the airline’s commitment to establishing Medina as one of its primary operational bases. He emphasized that stationing aircraft in Medina provides higher operational flexibility, enabling the carrier to increase flight frequencies or add new destinations quickly and efficiently.
Strategic Importance of Medina Base
According to Greenway, Medina was a natural choice for an operational base given its religious significance as the second holiest city in the Islamic world and its pivotal role as a major gateway for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. The expanded flight schedule enhances flyadeal services dedicated to year-round Umrah travel, which operates directly to Medina from several countries, alongside flights connecting through the coastal city of Jeddah.
Roger van Eynck, Chief Commercial and Customer Service Officer at flyadeal, noted that the new destinations were launched in response to growing demand for international travel, whether for holidays or business trips, from residents and workers in Medina and neighboring areas. Additionally, the expansion supports incoming pilgrims and Umrah visitors throughout the year.
Officials from Medina airport joined flyadeal management, led by van Eynck, in a series of welcome events celebrating the launch of new destinations with travelers. The collaboration aims to explore additional opportunities that enhance air connectivity in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, the executive indicated.
Domestic Network Coverage Expands
The new domestic destinations cover multiple regions across the Kingdom, including Jazan on the southwestern coast, Tabuk in the northwest, Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province, and Abha in the mountainous highlands of southwest Asir region. This geographic spread strengthens connectivity between Medina and key economic and tourism centers throughout Saudi Arabia.
Currently, approximately 60 percent of flyadeal’s fleet of 44 narrow-body Airbus A320 aircraft is based at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Meanwhile, 11 aircraft operate from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, five from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and two from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina.
Long-Term Growth Targets
The carrier’s growth strategy targets increasing its fleet size to more than 100 aircraft by 2030, alongside expanding its destination network to include over 100 destinations within the next five years. In May 2024, flyadeal placed its largest order ever for 51 aircraft, comprising 12 A320neos and 39 larger A321neos, with delivery scheduled to begin in 2027, according to the airline.
Furthermore, flyadeal will operate scheduled long-haul services starting in 2027 with the gradual introduction of ten Airbus A330neo wide-body aircraft ordered by Saudi Arabian Airlines Group in April 2025. Tickets for the new flights from Medina are available for booking through the flyadeal smartphone app, the website, and authorized travel agents.
The airline commenced operations on September 23, 2017, coinciding with Saudi Arabia’s National Day, launching its inaugural flight from Jeddah to Riyadh. As a sister company to Saudia, both owned by Saudi Arabian Airlines Group, flyadeal has transported more than 40 million passengers since its launch, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing budget carriers in the Middle East.
Further expansion details and additional route announcements are expected as the airline continues implementing its ambitious growth plan throughout 2025. However, specific timelines for potential new destinations beyond the current launch have not been confirmed by airline management.
