Saudi Arabia Tourism Takes A Major Leap As Flyadeal Launches Three New Domestic Flights, Strengthening Madinah’s Connectivity And Regional Appeal

Published on February 27, 2026

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Saudi Arabia tourism is poised for a significant boost as flyadeal, the Kingdom’s rapidly growing low-cost carrier, launches three new domestic routes from its newly established base in Madinah. Starting March 1, 2026, travelers will have access to nonstop flights to Jazan, Qassim, and Arar—regions that offer rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and untapped tourism potential. This expansion not only enhances the airline’s domestic network but also aligns with the Kingdom’s vision to increase local travel and support its broader tourism goals as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is on the rise, and the latest expansion by flyadeal, the Kingdom’s fast-growing low-cost carrier, marks another significant step forward. Starting March 1, 2026, flyadeal will introduce three new domestic routes from its newly established base in Madinah. These new destinations—Jazan, Qassim, and Arar—are set to further enhance the Kingdom’s domestic connectivity, contributing to the nation’s broader tourism goals in line with Vision 2030.

Expanding the Domestic Network: flyadeal’s New Routes

With the launch of three new domestic routes, flyadeal is taking a bold step towards enhancing the tourism infrastructure of Saudi Arabia. The three new destinations, Jazan, Qassim, and Arar, will provide travelers with non-stop flights to these culturally rich and geographically diverse regions.

• Jazan, located along the Red Sea coast, offers travelers picturesque views, as well as proximity to the Farasan Islands—a top spot for diving and coastal tourism.
• Qassim, often recognized for its agriculture, notably its vast date farms, is an area with great potential for eco and agritourism.
• Arar, in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, presents desert tourism opportunities, including unique cultural experiences and adventures through arid landscapes.

These three destinations join a growing list of cities that flyadeal already serves directly from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Together with Abha, Al Hofuf, Dammam, Riyadh, Tabuk, Cairo, and Istanbul, the Kingdom’s aviation landscape is rapidly evolving. The airline now offers 10 direct destinations from Madinah, making it an attractive choice for both domestic and international travelers.

Increasing Flight Capacity: A Strategic Move for Saudi Arabia Tourism

In conjunction with the expansion of routes, flyadeal has increased its frequency of flights to 94 weekly departures from Madinah. This represents a substantial increase in capacity at the airline’s Madinah base, reflecting the rising demand for both domestic connectivity and religious travel.

The airline operates an Airbus A320 fleet, providing comfortable travel with 186 all-economy class seats in a 3-3 configuration. Known for its spacious interiors and affordable fares, flyadeal’s aircraft offer a practical solution for travelers looking for budget-friendly travel options across Saudi Arabia.

Madinah: A Key Hub for Flyadeal’s Expansion

Madinah, one of the holiest cities in Islam, holds immense significance for both religious tourism and the general tourism sector. As a critical base for flyadeal, the city is positioned as a central hub for the airline’s operations, connecting religious pilgrims to other parts of Saudi Arabia as well as international destinations. With this latest expansion, Madinah strengthens its place in the Kingdom’s growing travel infrastructure.

By increasing domestic routes from Madinah, flyadeal is responding to the significant rise in both Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage traffic and the demand for leisure travel. The city’s cultural and religious significance adds a unique element to the appeal of these new routes, especially for international travelers and those undertaking pilgrimages.

flyadeal’s Growth Strategy: Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030

flyadeal is not only expanding its flight network but is also solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing budget carriers in the Middle East. This expansion supports Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious economic diversification strategy aimed at boosting non-oil sectors, including tourism.

As part of this vision, flyadeal has set ambitious goals:

• Triple its route network to over 100 destinations by 2030.
• Double its fleet size to 100 aircraft.

This growth will not only strengthen domestic connectivity but also enhance Saudi Arabia’s global tourism appeal. flyadeal’s strategic expansion into regional markets, particularly in Europe, North Africa, and South Asia, is a critical part of the Kingdom’s efforts to position itself as a key player on the global tourism stage.

Boosting Domestic Tourism: Connecting Lesser-Known Gems of Saudi Arabia

The new routes introduced by flyadeal—Jazan, Qassim, and Arar—are instrumental in enhancing access to Saudi Arabia’s lesser-known gems. Each region offers something unique, allowing tourists to explore various aspects of the Kingdom’s natural beauty, agriculture, and cultural heritage.

• Jazan is known for its beautiful beaches, marine life, and the untouched Farasan Islands, which boast coral reefs and diving spots.
• Qassim’s vast date farms and agricultural landscapes make it an attractive destination for eco-tourism and those interested in learning more about traditional farming practices.
• Arar, with its desert landscapes, provides a rare opportunity to experience desert tourism, along with the rich Bedouin culture and agricultural practices in one of the most remote parts of the Kingdom.

These areas remain relatively underexplored compared to Riyadh or Jeddah, but with the introduction of affordable flights, they will likely become increasingly popular among domestic tourists, especially those seeking unique experiences within Saudi Arabia.

flyadeal’s Vision of Affordable and Accessible Travel for All

One of the standout features of flyadeal’s expansion is the airline’s commitment to affordable travel. Saudi Arabia’s push to make domestic and international travel more accessible is reflected in the carrier’s low-cost operations, ensuring that air travel is no longer exclusive to a few. This democratization of air travel aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and increase the number of international and domestic tourists visiting the Kingdom.

flyadeal’s low-cost flights to these newly added routes offer an affordable means for Saudi citizens and international travelers to explore more of the Kingdom. For residents in Jazan, Qassim, and Arar, the new services make it easier to connect with the rest of Saudi Arabia, potentially spurring economic development and tourism growth in these regions.

Connecting Pilgrims and Leisure Travelers: A Balanced Approach

Another important factor in this expansion is the airline’s role in supporting religious tourism. Madinah, as one of the two holy cities for Muslim pilgrims, is already a key entry point for those embarking on Umrah and Hajj. By increasing the frequency of domestic flights and adding new routes, flyadeal helps ensure that pilgrims can travel between key regions for both religious and leisure purposes.

These new routes will also be valuable for leisure tourists who wish to explore regions outside of the well-known tourist hotspots like Riyadh and Jeddah. Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is shifting towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive destination, with a broader range of experiences beyond the usual cultural and heritage tourism, thanks to initiatives like flyadeal’s expanding network.

A Future-Ready Carrier: Flyadeal’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Growth

With its rapid expansion and focus on connecting the Kingdom’s key destinations, flyadeal is playing a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. As Saudi Vision 2030 continues to unfold, the growth of carriers like flyadeal will be crucial to the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. The airline’s affordable routes and strategic regional connections make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, and attractions that Saudi Arabia has to offer.

With the launch of three new domestic routes from Madinah—Jazan, Qassim, and Arar—flyadeal is not just expanding its network; it is helping to transform Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape. By making air travel more accessible and affordable, flyadeal is opening doors for more people to explore the hidden treasures of this fascinating country.

Saudi Arabia tourism is set to soar as flyadeal expands its domestic network with the launch of new routes from Madinah to Jazan, Qassim, and Arar. This move enhances connectivity, making travel more accessible and supporting the Kingdom’s broader tourism ambitions under Vision 2030.

The launch of these new routes by flyadeal represents a significant step forward for Saudi Arabia tourism, as it provides improved access to underexplored regions and boosts connectivity across the Kingdom. With its commitment to affordable, efficient travel and its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal is set to be a key player in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. Whether for pilgrims, business travelers, or leisure tourists, the Kingdom is opening up more opportunities for exploration, and flyadeal is ensuring that these destinations remain accessible to all.