ISLAMABAD: Flyadeal, a low-cost Saudi airline, has stated that it will begin operating scheduled flights to Karachi, the commercial center of Pakistan, on February 2, 2025.
According to the Economy, this is a major step in the airline’s global expansion and its first foray into South Asia.
A large number of Pakistanis visit the oil-rich kingdom for pilgrimage every year. In addition to that a large number of Pakistani diaspora lives and work in Saudi Arabia.
Twice-weekly flights
Flyadeal will operate twice-weekly flights between Karachi and Saudi Arabia’s key cities, Riyadh and Jeddah.
The airline’s CEO, Steven Greenway, praised the collaboration with Pakistani authorities and the planning team, stating, “This new market addition reflects our commitment to growth and the expansion of our year-round network, with more Pakistani cities on the horizon.”
Greenway highlighted the deep cultural, historical, and familial ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, noting that demand for travel between the two countries is driven by commercial, pilgrimage, and family connections. He credited the successful operation of Hajj charters earlier this year as a key factor in facilitating the expansion.
The new Karachi routes are part of Flyadeal’s strategic move to strengthen ties with South Asia, opening new opportunities for travellers and expanding its presence in a region with growing aviation demand.
Tourism boost
According to Travel and Tour World, the launch will boost tourism and the milestone marks the airline’s first foray into Pakistan and the broader South Asian region, as it embarks on an ambitious global expansion strategy.
The new service will connect Karachi with Riyadh, the Saudi capital, and Jeddah, the Kingdom’s commercial hub, offering twice-weekly flights from both cities.
New destinations across South Asia
According to Travel and Tour World, over the next year, flyadeal plans to introduce new destinations across South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This ambitious initiative aims to attract over 150 million domestic and international tourists annually by 2030, further establishing Saudi Arabia as a global travel hub.
