Saudi airline flyadeal lands in Pakistan with 4 weekly flights (VIDEO)
Karachi celebrates the inaugural flight with a grand water salute
KARACHI: flyadeal, Saudi Arabia's youngest and fastest-growing low-cost carrier, has officially launched its operations in Pakistan.
The airline will operate four weekly flights – two to Karachi and two to Lahore – departing from Riyadh and Jeddah.
The inaugural flight to Karachi, F3 166, arrived from Riyadh at 8:04 AM, marking the beginning of direct travel options for Pakistani passengers. Upon arrival at Jinnah International Airport, the aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water salute.
flyadeal launches Pakistan operations
Shahid Qadir, spokesperson for Aviation Security, highlighted that flyadeal's entry into the Pakistani market provides an additional direct travel option for passengers and could also generate employment opportunities in the aviation sector. The airline's operations will include two weekly flights to Karachi from both Riyadh and Jeddah.
#flyadeal touches down in #Pakistan. Saudi Arabia’s fastest growing low-cost airline celebrates its inaugural flight from capital #Riyadh to #Karachi, marking its entry into South Asia.#NewRoutes #AviationNews #InternationalExpansion pic.twitter.com/KLf45EY6tu
— flyadeal (@flyadealENG) February 1, 2025
With this launch, flyadeal becomes the third Saudi carrier currently operating in Pakistan, alongside Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flynas. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted the airline the necessary approvals after a rigorous assessment process. flyadeal will operate Airbus A320 aircraft for its Pakistan routes, staying true to its strategy of offering affordable travel options.
Strategic expansion
The timing of flyadeal's entry aligns with the ongoing Umrah season, offering more affordable travel choices for Pakistani travelers, particularly religious pilgrims. The new flights cater to the growing demand driven by the significant Pakistani expatriate population in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is rapidly expanding. In August 2024, Saudi Arabian Airlines ranked first globally for punctuality, with an 88.12% on-time arrival rate, according to Cirium’s report. The Kingdom is set to further grow its aviation industry, with plans to introduce 103 new aircraft by 2030, supporting Vision 2030’s objectives of boosting connectivity and economic development.
IATA recognition
flyadeal recently became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) after successfully passing the Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). This membership allows the airline to participate in key initiatives focusing on safety, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Since its launch in 2017, flyadeal has grown to operate a fleet of 36 Airbus A320 aircraft, serving nearly 30 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. The airline has ambitious plans to expand significantly, with a goal of tripling its fleet and network by 2030.