Saudi Arabia’s budget airline flyadeal has officially launched its first-ever scheduled passenger service to India with the commencement of daily non-stop flights between Hyderabad and Riyadh. The new international route marks a significant milestone for the airline and is expected to strengthen air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia while offering passengers a more affordable travel option.
The inaugural service began on July 1, 2026, connecting Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Hyderabad has become flyadeal’s first destination in India as the airline expands its international network beyond the Middle East.
The airline
is operating the route with daily direct flights, making travel more convenient for business travellers, tourists, students, and the large Indian expatriate community residing in Saudi Arabia. The flights are operated using the airline’s Airbus A320neo aircraft, configured with 186 all-economy seats, in line with flyadeal’s low-cost business model.
According to the published schedule, the flight departs Riyadh at 11:20 pm and arrives in Hyderabad at 6:50 am the following day. The return service leaves Hyderabad at 7:55 am and lands in Riyadh at 11:05 am, providing convenient timings for passengers travelling in both directions.
The launch is expected to significantly benefit the large number of Indian workers, particularly those from Telangana and neighbouring states, who frequently travel to Saudi Arabia for employment. It also provides an additional travel option for pilgrims undertaking Umrah, as well as business professionals and tourists visiting either country. The new service is anticipated to improve connectivity while encouraging greater economic and cultural exchanges between India and Saudi Arabia.
flyadeal is a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Saudia Group and was established as Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline to provide affordable domestic and international travel. Since beginning operations in 2017, the carrier has steadily expanded its network across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and South Asia. The Hyderabad route represents its latest international expansion and its formal entry into the Indian aviation market.
Industry experts believe the new service will increase competition on the Hyderabad–Riyadh sector, potentially leading to more competitive fares and improved connectivity. Hyderabad already serves as one of India’s busiest gateways to the Gulf region, and the arrival of flyadeal further strengthens the city’s position as a major hub for international travel to Saudi Arabia.
The airline has indicated that the Hyderabad service is part of its broader international growth strategy, with plans to expand its network as demand for affordable air travel continues to rise. The addition of India to flyadeal’s route map reflects the growing importance of the India–Saudi Arabia travel corridor and the increasing demand for direct, low-cost flights between the two countries.
