Riyadh Air and flyadeal Expand India Operations

Two Saudi Arabian carriers have expanded their operations into the Indian market to strengthen air links between the two nations. flyadeal, a low-cost carrier under the Saudia Group, began daily non-stop flights between Riyadh and Hyderabad on July 4, 2026. Operating Airbus A320 aircraft, the service landed at GMR Hyderabad International Airport, increasing the hub's network to 76 domestic and 24 international destinations.

Simultaneously, Riyadh Air announced the launch of daily direct flights between Riyadh and Mumbai starting August 4, 2026. The airline opened bookings for this service on July 6, 2026. Using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the carrier will offer four cabin classes, including business elite and premium economy, to attract business and leisure travelers.

These expansions align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. Riyadh Air intends to use the Mumbai route to provide onward connectivity to European hubs like London and Madrid, while flyadeal aims to facilitate travel for expatriates and tourists. Both airlines emphasize the growing demand for travel between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and India's dynamic aviation market.