Saudi budget carrier flyadeal launches first India flights with daily Riyadh–Hyderabad service

Saudi low-cost airline flyadeal will begin its first scheduled passenger operations to India on July 1, launching a daily non-stop service between Riyadh and Hyderabad as it expands into one of the Gulf region’s busiest aviation corridors.

The airline, a subsidiary of Saudia Group, announced that tickets for the route are now available through its direct booking channels and travel agency network. The development was first reported by O Heraldo.

The move marks a significant expansion for flyadeal, which until now had only operated special Hajj and Umrah flights between Saudi Arabia and India. The Hyderabad service becomes the carrier’s first regular scheduled passenger route linking the two countries.

Hyderabad becomes flyadeal’s India gateway

Hyderabad has emerged as flyadeal’s first Indian destination amid growing passenger demand between India and the Gulf region, particularly from expatriate communities living and working in Saudi Arabia.

The city remains one of southern India’s largest technology and business hubs and maintains deep economic and cultural connections with Gulf countries due to its sizeable overseas population.

According to the airline, another India route could be announced in the near future as it broadens its regional footprint.

Sanjiv Kapoor, acting chief executive officer of flyadeal and Executive Vice President of Strategies at Saudia Group, described India as a strategically important market for the airline’s international growth plans.

Speaking on the expansion, Kapoor said the Hyderabad launch represented the first phase of a broader India strategy for the carrier.

Daily operations to begin in July

The airline said the Riyadh–Hyderabad route will operate daily using Airbus A320neo aircraft configured entirely with 186 Economy Class seats.

Key details of the service include:

• Launch date: July 1, 2026
• Route: Riyadh to Hyderabad
• Frequency: Daily non-stop flights
• Aircraft: Airbus A320neo
• Cabin configuration: 186 Economy Class seats

The route adds to increasing air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia, where demand has remained strong across labour, business, religious and family travel segments.

Saudi aviation sector expands under Vision 2030

The launch also reflects broader changes taking place within Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry under the kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification programme.

Saudi carriers have been steadily increasing international capacity and adding new destinations as the country seeks to strengthen tourism, trade and global connectivity.

Founded as the low-cost arm of Saudia, flyadeal currently operates across 37 destinations, including services to the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan.

India’s addition to the airline’s scheduled network signals a more aggressive regional expansion strategy at a time when Gulf airlines continue to compete for growing South Asian passenger traffic.

Industry observers expect further route additions between Saudi Arabia and Indian cities as airlines respond to sustained demand and expanding bilateral air links.