flyadeal broadens Madinah base with three new domestic routes enhancing regional connectivity and travel options

Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal is accelerating its expansion in Madinah with the introduction of three new domestic routes starting 1 March 2026. The airline’s move strengthens its presence in the Kingdom, providing greater access for travellers and supporting the growing influx of pilgrims visiting the holy city. This strategic growth highlights flyadeal’s commitment to connecting key regions while enhancing the convenience and flexibility of air travel within Saudi Arabia.

The new non-stop flights will link Madinah to Jazan on the Red Sea coast, Qassim in the central region, and Arar, the capital of the Northern Borders Province. These additions bring the total number of destinations served from the city to ten, including both domestic and international routes. By expanding its Madinah operations, the airline is positioning the city as a major hub for both religious and commercial travel.

Currently, flyadeal operates flights from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport to Abha, Al Hofuf, Dammam, Riyadh, and Tabuk, in addition to international services to Cairo and Istanbul. The introduction of the new routes will not only enhance domestic connectivity but also provide practical travel alternatives for residents, business travellers, and tourists moving between major and regional cities.

Madinah’s significance as the second holiest city in Islam ensures a steady flow of travellers year-round, especially for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. The expanded network supports these flows by supplementing existing religious services with additional options, allowing passengers to reach the city more efficiently from multiple points within the Kingdom. The new connections also provide smoother domestic travel for residents who previously faced limited or indirect flight options to the southwest, central, and northern regions.

The three additional destinations will increase flyadeal’s weekly operations from Madinah to 94 flights. The airline’s Airbus A320 fleet, featuring 186 all-economy seats in a 3–3 layout, balances high passenger capacity with operational efficiency. This configuration ensures affordability for travellers while maintaining comfort and reliability across both domestic and international routes.

Expanding the network from Madinah aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to transform the Kingdom’s tourism and transport sectors. By enhancing connectivity, flyadeal supports the development of regional hubs and contributes to the diversification of the national economy. The airline plans to expand its overall network to more than 100 destinations and grow its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030, reflecting a long-term strategy for regional and international growth.

The new routes also address travel needs in regions that have traditionally been underserved by air transport. Jazan, Qassim, and Arar serve as key administrative and economic centres within their respective regions. Improved air links facilitate business travel, administrative access, and regional tourism, while enabling residents to reach major urban centres more quickly and comfortably than by road. This expansion is expected to stimulate economic activity in these areas by improving connectivity for commerce, education, and healthcare access.

In addition to practical benefits, the routes foster cultural exchange and domestic tourism. By connecting diverse regions of Saudi Arabia, the airline encourages travellers to explore the country’s unique landscapes, heritage sites, and communities. This increased mobility supports national tourism goals and contributes to a more integrated domestic travel network.

Madinah’s development as a hub demonstrates the strategic importance of secondary airports in supporting national aviation growth. By establishing a robust operational base in the city, flyadeal reduces congestion at primary airports while opening avenues for future domestic and international connections. This approach supports the Kingdom’s vision of decentralising air transport infrastructure and distributing economic development across multiple regions.

Globally, low-cost carriers have been expanding their domestic and regional reach to meet rising demand for affordable and flexible travel. flyadeal’s expansion reflects this trend, with a focus on efficiency, frequency, and accessibility. The new flights provide options for both leisure and business travellers, while complementing the airline’s dedicated pilgrimage services that bring international visitors directly to Madinah.

The introduction of flights to Jazan, Qassim, and Arar also allows flyadeal to optimise scheduling and aircraft utilisation. Passengers benefit from increased frequency, shorter travel times, and more departure choices, while the airline can maximise operational efficiency during peak periods. This strategic deployment enhances overall network performance and positions flyadeal as a reliable provider of high-frequency services across Saudi Arabia.

As international and domestic travel continues to grow, flyadeal’s strengthened Madinah base supports smooth travel experiences for all passengers. Enhanced domestic connectivity enables efficient transit between key regions, while supporting the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and regional development. The airline’s growth underscores its role as a central player in Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape, delivering tangible benefits to travellers, local economies, and the broader national transport network.

Operational excellence remains a core focus, with standardised aircraft, modern booking systems, and streamlined services designed to maintain high reliability. The Airbus A320 fleet provides the ideal combination of capacity, efficiency, and flexibility, allowing the airline to meet peak demand during pilgrimage seasons while maintaining consistent service quality year-round.

Overall, flyadeal’s expansion from Madinah strengthens the city’s position as a critical hub in the national air transport network. By offering more destinations, higher frequency, and improved connectivity, the airline supports the Kingdom’s economic, cultural, and tourism objectives while delivering practical benefits for residents, pilgrims, and travellers across Saudi Arabia. The launch of flights to Jazan, Qassim, and Arar marks another milestone in flyadeal’s journey toward becoming a leading low-cost carrier in the region, offering reliable and affordable travel options that align with Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision for aviation and regional growth.

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