Flyadeal Expands in Pakistan: Four New Routes Launching in August to Boost Connectivity and Affordable Travel
Flyadeal, the low-cost Saudi Arabian airline headquartered in Jeddah, is making significant strides in expanding its footprint in Pakistan. With an aim to enhance connectivity and provide affordable travel options for passengers, the airline is set to launch four new routes between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan this August. These additions mark a major milestone in Flyadeal’s strategic expansion plan and reflect its growing interest in the South Asian market, particularly Pakistan—a country with deep economic, cultural, and religious ties to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
New Routes Connecting Key Cities
Starting from August 24 to August 26, 2025, Flyadeal will begin operating four new direct flight routes connecting major cities in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. These include:
-
Riyadh to Islamabad
-
Riyadh to Peshawar
-
Riyadh to Sialkot
-
Dammam to Karachi
These flights are expected to operate two to three times per week, depending on the route, using Flyadeal’s modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline’s decision to target these specific cities reflects a thoughtful strategy that considers the significant demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Each of these Pakistani cities has strong ties to Saudi Arabia through labor migration, family connections, and religious tourism.
Doubling Its Presence in Pakistan
Flyadeal only entered the Pakistani market earlier this year, beginning with its launch of services from Jeddah and Riyadh to Karachi in February 2025. In just a few short months, the airline is now poised to more than double its operations in the country. This move signals not just the success of its initial Pakistan operations, but also the growing demand for budget-friendly travel options among Pakistani expatriates and travelers.
With the launch of these new routes, Flyadeal will be serving five Pakistani cities: Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Sialkot, and continuing its services from Jeddah and Riyadh. This makes Pakistan one of Flyadeal’s most connected international markets, emphasizing the importance of this corridor in the airline’s global strategy.
Filling the Gap Left by Other Airlines
One of the most significant developments is Flyadeal’s new route from Riyadh to Sialkot, which fills a critical void in the market. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag carrier, ceased operations on this route in 2023, leaving passengers with limited options. When Flyadeal’s flights commence on August 26, it will become the only airline offering direct flights between Riyadh and Sialkot, providing a much-needed service for travelers from Punjab’s industrial hub who work or reside in Saudi Arabia.
This approach of identifying underserved routes and tapping into unmet demand has become a hallmark of Flyadeal’s expansion strategy. It ensures a competitive advantage and helps the airline build a loyal customer base in niche markets.
Backed by a Strong Fleet and Vision
Flyadeal operates under the umbrella of Saudia Group, the parent company of Saudi Arabia’s national airline. Since its inception in 2017, Flyadeal has grown rapidly, offering low-cost domestic and international flights to cater to the budget traveler. The airline launched its international operations in 2021 and now flies to 28 international destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and parts of Europe.
The company currently operates a fleet of 41 Airbus A320 aircraft, all equipped with modern features that offer comfort and reliability at competitive prices. Flyadeal plans to expand its fleet to 98 aircraft by 2030, incorporating larger and more efficient models such as the Airbus A321neo and A330neo, which are ideal for longer and busier routes.
This growing fleet will allow Flyadeal to introduce even more destinations, increase frequency on popular routes, and provide passengers with enhanced travel experiences—all while maintaining its low-cost model.
CEO’s Vision: International Growth is Key
Flyadeal’s CEO, Steven Greenway, has publicly stated that the airline aims to have international routes make up half of its total network in the coming years. This strategic pivot is part of the broader Vision 2030 plan set by the Saudi government, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy by focusing on sectors like tourism, transport, and services.
Pakistan plays a vital role in this international expansion plan. The deep-rooted historical, economic, and religious connections between the two countries ensure a steady stream of travelers, whether they are laborers, pilgrims, or tourists. By focusing on underserved routes and offering affordable alternatives, Flyadeal is well-positioned to become a preferred carrier for this important market segment.
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Why These Routes Matter: Religious, Economic, and Social Ties
There are several reasons why the Saudi-Pakistan air corridor is so vital:
-
Religious Travel: Every year, millions of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. The addition of new direct flights to cities like Riyadh and Dammam makes it easier for pilgrims to access major religious sites with convenience and at lower costs.
-
Labor Migration: Saudi Arabia is home to over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates, many of whom work in construction, healthcare, and service industries. Frequent and affordable air travel options help them stay connected with their families back home.
-
Family Connections: With so many Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia, family visits are a common reason for travel. Direct flights to smaller cities like Sialkot and Peshawar are particularly helpful in connecting families in regions that are often overlooked by major airlines.
-
Economic Ties: Bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan continues to grow. Business travelers, exporters, and professionals benefit from increased connectivity, particularly to commercial hubs like Karachi and Islamabad.
By addressing each of these key travel needs, Flyadeal is aligning its business goals with the real-life demands of travelers.
Convenience, Affordability, and Accessibility
Flyadeal has built its reputation around providing low fares without compromising on safety or quality. Its no-frills model is especially appealing to price-sensitive travelers such as students, laborers, and families. All new routes will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their efficiency and suitability for short to medium-haul routes.
Passengers can book their tickets through Flyadeal’s user-friendly website and mobile app, and the airline frequently offers promotional fares during launch periods. In addition, the airline offers add-ons such as extra baggage, seat selection, and inflight meals—allowing passengers to customize their journey based on their preferences and budgets.
This model of flexibility and affordability is a welcome change in a market where travelers have often been burdened by high ticket prices and limited airline choices.
Strategic Timing: Growing Demand and Market Potential
The timing of this expansion is no coincidence. Over the past few years, the demand for flights between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has been steadily increasing. A combination of religious tourism, economic migration, and a strong Pakistani diaspora has created a robust and reliable travel market.
Moreover, travel recovery post-COVID-19 has seen a surge in international movements, with many people eager to reunite with family, resume business, or fulfill religious obligations. Flyadeal’s entry into the Pakistani market at this juncture allows it to capture market share before competitors expand their services.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Flyadeal’s expansion into Pakistan is promising, it does come with challenges. Operational logistics, fuel prices, regulatory approvals, and airport slot availability are all factors that could impact future growth. Additionally, competition from established players like PIA, Air Arabia, flydubai, and Saudia means Flyadeal must continue to offer excellent service and pricing to retain its customers.
However, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. The underserved cities in Pakistan, combined with the rising trend of affordable air travel, give Flyadeal a chance to dominate this niche. As it continues to build its fleet and network, Flyadeal could emerge as a dominant low-cost airline for Pakistani travelers—not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the Gulf region and beyond.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel for Pakistanis
Flyadeal’s four new routes between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan represent more than just expanded connectivity—they symbolize a new era of affordable, accessible, and reliable air travel for millions of Pakistani passengers. By connecting Riyadh with Islamabad, Peshawar, and Sialkot, and Dammam with Karachi, Flyadeal is meeting the growing demand head-on.
As the airline looks ahead to a future of fleet expansion, international growth, and deeper ties with the South Asian market, one thing is clear: Flyadeal is here to stay—and it’s soaring toward a promising horizon for travelers on both sides of the border.
Flyadeal Expands in Pakistan: Four New Routes Launching in August to Boost Connectivity and Affordable Travel
Flyadeal, the low-cost Saudi Arabian airline headquartered in Jeddah, is making significant strides in expanding its footprint in Pakistan. With an aim to enhance connectivity and provide affordable travel options for passengers, the airline is set to launch four new routes between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan this August. These additions mark a major milestone in Flyadeal’s strategic expansion plan and reflect its growing interest in the South Asian market, particularly Pakistan—a country with deep economic, cultural, and religious ties to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
New Routes Connecting Key Cities
Starting from August 24 to August 26, 2025, Flyadeal will begin operating four new direct flight routes connecting major cities in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. These include:
-
Riyadh to Islamabad
-
Riyadh to Peshawar
-
Riyadh to Sialkot
-
Dammam to Karachi
These flights are expected to operate two to three times per week, depending on the route, using Flyadeal’s modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline’s decision to target these specific cities reflects a thoughtful strategy that considers the significant demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Each of these Pakistani cities has strong ties to Saudi Arabia through labor migration, family connections, and religious tourism.
Doubling Its Presence in Pakistan
Flyadeal only entered the Pakistani market earlier this year, beginning with its launch of services from Jeddah and Riyadh to Karachi in February 2025. In just a few short months, the airline is now poised to more than double its operations in the country. This move signals not just the success of its initial Pakistan operations, but also the growing demand for budget-friendly travel options among Pakistani expatriates and travelers.
With the launch of these new routes, Flyadeal will be serving five Pakistani cities: Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Sialkot, and continuing its services from Jeddah and Riyadh. This makes Pakistan one of Flyadeal’s most connected international markets, emphasizing the importance of this corridor in the airline’s global strategy.
Filling the Gap Left by Other Airlines
One of the most significant developments is Flyadeal’s new route from Riyadh to Sialkot, which fills a critical void in the market. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag carrier, ceased operations on this route in 2023, leaving passengers with limited options. When Flyadeal’s flights commence on August 26, it will become the only airline offering direct flights between Riyadh and Sialkot, providing a much-needed service for travelers from Punjab’s industrial hub who work or reside in Saudi Arabia.
This approach of identifying underserved routes and tapping into unmet demand has become a hallmark of Flyadeal’s expansion strategy. It ensures a competitive advantage and helps the airline build a loyal customer base in niche markets.
Backed by a Strong Fleet and Vision
Flyadeal operates under the umbrella of Saudia Group, the parent company of Saudi Arabia’s national airline. Since its inception in 2017, Flyadeal has grown rapidly, offering low-cost domestic and international flights to cater to the budget traveler. The airline launched its international operations in 2021 and now flies to 28 international destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and parts of Europe.
The company currently operates a fleet of 41 Airbus A320 aircraft, all equipped with modern features that offer comfort and reliability at competitive prices. Flyadeal plans to expand its fleet to 98 aircraft by 2030, incorporating larger and more efficient models such as the Airbus A321neo and A330neo, which are ideal for longer and busier routes.
This growing fleet will allow Flyadeal to introduce even more destinations, increase frequency on popular routes, and provide passengers with enhanced travel experiences—all while maintaining its low-cost model.
CEO’s Vision: International Growth is Key
Flyadeal’s CEO, Steven Greenway, has publicly stated that the airline aims to have international routes make up half of its total network in the coming years. This strategic pivot is part of the broader Vision 2030 plan set by the Saudi government, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy by focusing on sectors like tourism, transport, and services.
Pakistan plays a vital role in this international expansion plan. The deep-rooted historical, economic, and religious connections between the two countries ensure a steady stream of travelers, whether they are laborers, pilgrims, or tourists. By focusing on underserved routes and offering affordable alternatives, Flyadeal is well-positioned to become a preferred carrier for this important market segment.
Why These Routes Matter: Religious, Economic, and Social Ties
There are several reasons why the Saudi-Pakistan air corridor is so vital:
-
Religious Travel: Every year, millions of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. The addition of new direct flights to cities like Riyadh and Dammam makes it easier for pilgrims to access major religious sites with convenience and at lower costs.
-
Labor Migration: Saudi Arabia is home to over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates, many of whom work in construction, healthcare, and service industries. Frequent and affordable air travel options help them stay connected with their families back home.
-
Family Connections: With so many Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia, family visits are a common reason for travel. Direct flights to smaller cities like Sialkot and Peshawar are particularly helpful in connecting families in regions that are often overlooked by major airlines.
-
Economic Ties: Bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan continues to grow. Business travelers, exporters, and professionals benefit from increased connectivity, particularly to commercial hubs like Karachi and Islamabad.
By addressing each of these key travel needs, Flyadeal is aligning its business goals with the real-life demands of travelers.
Convenience, Affordability, and Accessibility
Flyadeal has built its reputation around providing low fares without compromising on safety or quality. Its no-frills model is especially appealing to price-sensitive travelers such as students, laborers, and families. All new routes will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their efficiency and suitability for short to medium-haul routes.
Passengers can book their tickets through Flyadeal’s user-friendly website and mobile app, and the airline frequently offers promotional fares during launch periods. In addition, the airline offers add-ons such as extra baggage, seat selection, and inflight meals—allowing passengers to customize their journey based on their preferences and budgets.
This model of flexibility and affordability is a welcome change in a market where travelers have often been burdened by high ticket prices and limited airline choices.
Strategic Timing: Growing Demand and Market Potential
The timing of this expansion is no coincidence. Over the past few years, the demand for flights between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has been steadily increasing. A combination of religious tourism, economic migration, and a strong Pakistani diaspora has created a robust and reliable travel market.
Moreover, travel recovery post-COVID-19 has seen a surge in international movements, with many people eager to reunite with family, resume business, or fulfill religious obligations. Flyadeal’s entry into the Pakistani market at this juncture allows it to capture market share before competitors expand their services.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Flyadeal’s expansion into Pakistan is promising, it does come with challenges. Operational logistics, fuel prices, regulatory approvals, and airport slot availability are all factors that could impact future growth. Additionally, competition from established players like PIA, Air Arabia, flydubai, and Saudia means Flyadeal must continue to offer excellent service and pricing to retain its customers.
However, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. The underserved cities in Pakistan, combined with the rising trend of affordable air travel, give Flyadeal a chance to dominate this niche. As it continues to build its fleet and network, Flyadeal could emerge as a dominant low-cost airline for Pakistani travelers—not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the Gulf region and beyond.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel for Pakistanis
Flyadeal’s four new routes between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan represent more than just expanded connectivity—they symbolize a new era of affordable, accessible, and reliable air travel for millions of Pakistani passengers. By connecting Riyadh with Islamabad, Peshawar, and Sialkot, and Dammam with Karachi, Flyadeal is meeting the growing demand head-on.
As the airline looks ahead to a future of fleet expansion, international growth, and deeper ties with the South Asian market, one thing is clear: Flyadeal is here to stay—and it’s soaring toward a promising horizon for travelers on both sides of the border.