Saudi budget airline flyadeal plans network growth in India

Saudi low-cost airline flyadeal plans a major expansion of its network in India as travel between the two nations grows. The airline launched a new non-stop Mumbai to Riyadh service on October 3. This follows a five-times-a-week service between Hyderabad and Saudi Arabia that started in July.

Expansion Plans

Sanjiv Kapoor, the acting chief executive officer of flyadeal and executive vice-president of strategy at Saudia Group, stated that the carrier is evaluating flights to Lucknow, Calicut, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. The airline currently operates five flights a week on the Mumbai to Riyadh route using Airbus A320neo aircraft. This adds more than 7,400 seats a month to the route.

Challenges And Growth

Mr. Kapoor noted that India is a strategic priority for the airline's international network. Saudi Arabia has become one of India's three largest international travel markets. However, higher fuel costs have created a near-term challenge. A 100 percent increase in jet fuel prices over the past six months has slowed down expansion plans, and the airline will scale up operations once prices stabilise.

Context

flyadeal operates as part of the wider Saudia Group. This expansion strategy supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme, which aims to boost international visitor numbers and expand the aviation and tourism sectors.