flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-fare airline, launched flights to Abha on Feb. 1. Abha is the newest addition to flyadeal’s growing network, following Riyadh, Dammam, Al-Qassim and Jazan.
The airline will fly non-stop to the mountainous tourist destination twice daily from both Jeddah and Riyadh. Flight timings have a convenient double-daily schedule providing both morning and afternoon or evening options.
The first flight (F3 171) took off early morning on Feb. 1 from King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah to Abha Regional Airport. Upon landing at Abha airport, the aircraft named “Al-Janah,” a recent addition to flyadeal’s fleet of all brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft, was greeted with the customary water cannon salute.
A celebratory event was held at Abha airport’s departure hall in the presence of the chairman of flyadeal and director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Adwani, general manager of regional airports, Con Korfiatis, CEO of flyadeal, airport officials, staff and members of the press. After cutting the celebratory cake, guests were treated to a traditional dance showcasing the Asir province’s heritage.
Al-Janah then flew to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where further celebrations awaited customers and guests.
Al-Jasser said: “Abha is vital for the Kingdom’s economy and tourism industry. It is an increasingly popular destination and flyadeal’s entry into the market will provide further seat capacity at affordable fares. The expansion into the southern region aims to serve not only the region as a whole but also our military forces on the southern front and across the Kingdom.”
Al-Adwani said: “The commencement of flyadeal’s flight operations to Abha is a positive development for the region. We also appreciate the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s (GACA) role in encouraging competition among airlines in the Kingdom. This has aided the expansion of the travel and tourism industry in Saudi Arabia led largely by flyadeal and other airlines’ growing network of operations.”
Korfiatis said: “Since the beginning of our operations, we have delivered on our promise of helping customers enjoy an affordable flight experience delivered with a great attitude. Today, as we continue to expand our network, we are pleased to bring our service to Abha, a city that has made its mark on the map of the Arab world’s tourist hotspots.”
Abha welcomes first flyadeal flight
Abha welcomes first flyadeal flight
LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources honored LuLu Hypermarket in recognition of its pivotal role as the exclusive retail partner of the “Najoud Bikhairna 2026” initiative, commending its continued efforts in supporting and empowering national industries while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
The initiative, led by the ministry in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority, represented by the Made in Saudi program, stands as a pioneering model of public-private sector collaboration in activating community-driven initiatives with sustainable impact. Through this program, more than 280,000 Saudi-made products were distributed to 10,000 families across various regions of the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the presence of national products and strengthening the values of social solidarity among individuals and institutions alike.
The ministry’s recognition of LuLu Hypermarket coincided with the official launch of its Saudi Founding Day celebrations at the Dharat Laban branch in Riyadh, marked by the unveiling of a comprehensive promotional campaign dedicated to Saudi-made products. On this occasion, a wide range of special offers was introduced on local products, available across all LuLu Hypermarket branches throughout the Kingdom.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Dayel, general supervisor of the Made in Saudi program at the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Mohamed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, alongside members of LuLu’s executive management team. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the specially designed Founding Day gateway.
Following the inauguration, guests toured several dedicated zones and exhibitions highlighting national products. The tour commenced at the grocery and “Made in Saudi” consumer goods sections, showcasing the diversity and quality of local brands. It also included the “Made in Saudi” dates pavilion, presenting a premium selection of the finest locally sourced dates in celebration of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic national symbols.
The visit continued to the fruits and vegetables section under the theme “From Our Land,” featuring an exceptional assortment of Saudi agricultural products, reflecting the richness and excellence of the local agricultural sector. Guests also explored the LuLu private label corner, which features products exclusively manufactured within the Kingdom for LuLu, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
The tour concluded with a presentation of “Made in Saudi” products within the chilled and frozen categories, underscoring the rapid growth and qualitative advancement of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector, and further reinforcing the strong market position and competitiveness of Saudi products.
