Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal has expanded its India network with a new service between Mumbai and Riyadh, adding more than 7,400 monthly seats. The route also provides passengers with connections to several destinations across Saudi Arabia as the airline increases its international operations.

Sanjiv Kapoor, acting chief executive officer of flyadeal and executive vice-president of strategy at Saudia Group, said India was a strategic priority for the carrier because of its large and fast-growing aviation market. He said the airline had begun flying to India earlier in 2026 after receiving aircraft capable of covering the required distance from its Saudi bases.

The carrier plans to gradually increase frequencies and capacity in India and add destinations as operating conditions normalise. The bilateral agreement between Saudi Arabia and India permits services to eight points in the country, and flyadeal is assessing Tier 1, Tier 2 and unserved markets where demand for lower fares is strong.

Kapoor said it was too early to commit to operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport, as the airline had only recently started its Mumbai service. Flyadeal will evaluate the airport if demand for low-fare services supports an expansion, he said.

The airline also sees potential for low-cost long-haul operations, supported by religious travel, worker movement and price-sensitive passengers. It is scheduled to receive Airbus A330 aircraft at the end of 2027 for routes of six hours or more from Saudi Arabia, while 240-seat A321neos will join the fleet from the middle of 2027.

Flyadeal currently operates 47 Airbus A320 aircraft and is due to receive 420-seat A330neos by the end of 2027. The aircraft additions are intended to support longer international routes, with the airline expecting its fleet to grow to close to 100 aircraft by the end of 2030.