Madinah’s Air Travel Gets a Boost with flyadeal’s New Routes to Istanbul, Abha, and More

Published on January 8, 2026

flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s budget airline, has announced a major expansion from Madinah as it launches five new routes in early 2026. The airline, which has seen significant growth over the past few years, now offers scheduled flights to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen and four domestic destinations within Saudi Arabia: Abha, Al Hofuf, Jazan, and Tabuk. With these new additions, flyadeal’s operational base at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport has grown considerably, marking an exciting development for both local and international travel.

This expansion increases the number of flyadeal destinations served from Madinah from three to eight, significantly enhancing connectivity and accessibility. Before the launch of these new routes, the airline was already operating flights to Dammam, Riyadh, and Cairo from Madinah. The new routes represent a 40% increase in the airline’s weekly services, pushing the total number of weekly flights to 88.

Expanding International and Domestic Access

The addition of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen to flyadeal’s network is a key milestone, as it opens up direct access between Madinah and Turkey, a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. Istanbul, with its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant tourism scene, is a gateway for Saudi travelers heading to Europe and beyond. Turkish Airlines has long been a major player in connecting the Middle East with Europe, and flyadeal’s new route is set to make travel between Saudi Arabia and Istanbul more affordable and accessible for budget-conscious travelers.

In addition to international travel, flyadeal’s expansion also includes four domestic routes. Abha, a charming city in the mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia, is known for its pleasant weather and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for both local tourists and visitors from across the region. Jazan and Tabuk, both located in the western region of the Kingdom, are emerging as important cultural and tourism hubs, and these new routes will make it easier for travelers to access these developing areas. Al Hofuf, located in the Eastern Province, offers a unique mix of historical and modern attractions, contributing to the increasing tourism appeal of the area.

These new services not only serve to improve the connectivity between Madinah and major cities across Saudi Arabia but also facilitate tourism to emerging destinations, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of diversifying its tourism industry under Vision 2030.

Boosting Local Tourism and Economic Growth

By increasing the number of weekly flights from Madinah, flyadeal is helping to drive tourism to these newly connected cities, offering visitors more affordable travel options. Madinah itself is a prime destination for religious tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and experience the spiritual heart of Saudi Arabia. As a growing hub for both leisure and business travel, Madinah stands to benefit significantly from this expansion, with better connectivity facilitating increased tourism flows and contributing to the local economy.

For flyadeal, the expansion is not just about adding more routes—it’s about enhancing the travel experience and accessibility for its passengers. The airline’s two additional aircraft, now permanently based in Madinah, will help to ensure that the new routes are serviced efficiently and that passengers experience a smooth and comfortable journey. These aircraft will be integral in supporting the increased demand for both domestic and international travel, solidifying flyadeal’s commitment to offering budget-friendly travel options while expanding its reach across the region.

Impact on the Region’s Travel Landscape

As flyadeal continues to expand its operations, it plays a crucial role in reshaping the Saudi Arabian travel landscape. The airline’s low-cost model offers a competitive advantage, providing tourists with more options to explore Saudi Arabia and beyond. With more affordable flights to international and domestic destinations, flyadeal’s new routes are expected to encourage more frequent travel, making it easier for both Saudis and international tourists to visit different regions of the Kingdom.

The new flights will also benefit Madinah’s tourism infrastructure. The increased number of flights and better connectivity will allow tourists to experience not only the religious sites in Madinah but also Saudi Arabia’s other emerging tourist attractions. As the Kingdom works to diversify its tourism sector, cities like Jazan, Tabuk, and Abha will gain increased visibility as vacation destinations, helping to distribute tourism more evenly across the country.

Additionally, the expansion aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitious plans for boosting its aviation sector, as the government seeks to turn Saudi Arabia into a leading global hub for air travel. By offering more direct routes to key domestic and international destinations, flyadeal is helping to position Saudi Arabia as an accessible, attractive destination for international visitors and business travelers alike.

Looking Ahead: More Growth for flyadeal

The new routes are just the beginning of flyadeal’s plans for growth. The airline’s ongoing commitment to expanding its network, improving services, and supporting tourism aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and promote tourism. As more international airlines open routes to and from Saudi Arabia, flyadeal’s budget-friendly options will continue to be an attractive choice for travelers seeking affordable ways to explore the Kingdom and beyond.

With a focus on expanding its presence in key markets, improving the passenger experience, and continuing to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, flyadeal is well-positioned to play a key role in the region’s future travel and tourism developments.

Conclusion: A Gateway to New Destinations

The launch of these five new routes is a pivotal moment for flyadeal and the wider Saudi Arabian tourism industry. By offering direct flights to Istanbul, Abha, Al Hofuf, Jazan, and Tabuk, the airline is opening up new opportunities for travelers to explore Saudi Arabia and beyond. With affordable fares, improved connectivity, and an increasing number of routes, flyadeal is helping to shape the future of travel in the region and is a crucial player in supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.