RIYADH: Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal expects its capacity to grow by 20 to 25 percent next year as it expands its fleet, aiming for an “operational leap” with a total of 98 aircraft, CEO Steven Greenway told Al-Eqtisadiah. 

The company’s historic expansion is set to begin in 2027, with a new aircraft delivery scheduled each month until 2029 to reach the planned fleet size. 

The airline carried 11 million passengers this year, with projections of 12 to 13 million passengers next year as the expansion takes effect. 

It reported a 35 percent year-on-year increase in capacity this December, according to Greenway. The growth plan includes the addition of new aircraft types, notably the wide-body A330neo, which can carry 420 passengers. 

International route restructuring 

The wide-body aircraft, joining flyadeal’s fleet for the first time, will be capable of connecting Saudi airports on long-haul routes spanning from Western Europe to Southeast Asia. 

This will allow the airline to significantly expand its international network and develop a transcontinental operational structure to meet rising demand for travel to and from the Kingdom. 

In line with this, flyadeal plans to restructure its operations over the next two years to achieve a balanced mix of domestic and international flights. 

This mix represents a significant shift from the current operational structure, which relies on an 80 percent domestic and 20 percent international flight model. Greenway said the new structure shows a clear vision to support Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism openness and strengthen the Kingdom’s global connectivity. 

44th aircraft arrives by year-end 

The airline closed last year with a fleet of 36 aircraft, adding eight more this year. By the end of 2025, flyadeal will have 44 aircraft, with one final delivery expected next week, Greenway said. 

The short-term plan includes adding four new aircraft next year, bringing the fleet to 48, comprising traditional A320s, fuel-efficient A320neos, and A321s with 240 seats. 

Saudi aviation market 

The Kingdom’s aviation sector recorded notable growth last year, with passenger numbers exceeding 128 million, a 15 percent year-on-year increase. 

The General Authority of Civil Aviation reported more than 905,000 flights, up 11 percent from 2024, while air connectivity grew 16 percent to over 170 destinations worldwide. 

Air cargo also posted exceptional growth, rising 34 percent to 1.2 million tonnes. The four main airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah accounted for 82 percent of total air traffic last year.