Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is set for a major uplift as flyadeal announces the launch of three new domestic routes departing from its newly established base at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Beginning 1 March 2026, travelers will enjoy direct flights from Madinah to Jazan, Qassim and Arar—destinations rich in cultural heritage, natural landscapes and emerging tourism attractions.
The expansion marks a pivotal milestone in Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism strategy, directly supporting national objectives under Saudi Vision 2030. As the Kingdom accelerates its diversification and visitor growth efforts, improved air connectivity plays a central role in unlocking travel to underexplored regions, driving domestic tourism and stimulating economic activity.
Flyadeal Expands Its Domestic Network from Madinah
The introduction of flights to Jazan, Qassim and Arar expands flyadeal’s network to ten nonstop destinations served directly from Madinah. The new routes complement existing services to cities including Riyadh, Dammam, Tabuk, Abha and Al Hofuf, as well as international flights to Cairo and Istanbul.
Each of the new destinations contributes uniquely to Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape:
- Jazan, positioned along the Red Sea coast, offers a gateway to pristine beaches and the breathtaking Farasan Islands, a rising ecotourism hotspot known for diving, birdwatching and marine biodiversity.
- Qassim is celebrated for its date farms, agricultural heritage and traditional markets—ideal for culture seekers and travelers interested in eco-tourism and rural experiences.
- Arar, located in the northern frontier, provides access to vast desert terrains, archaeological sites and authentic Bedouin cultural encounters.
By improving accessibility to these regions, flyadeal is helping distribute tourism more evenly across the Kingdom, introducing travelers to destinations beyond the major hubs of Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah.
Increasing Flight Capacity to Meet Growing Travel Demand
Alongside its network expansion, flyadeal is significantly boosting capacity at Madinah, with weekly departures rising to 94 flights. This increase strengthens the airline’s operational presence in one of Saudi Arabia’s most strategically important cities—particularly critical for managing pilgrim traffic related to Umrah and Hajj, which continues to rise annually.
Flyadeal operates a modern Airbus A320 fleet, offering 186 all-economy seats configured for comfort and efficiency. The airline’s low-cost model provides accessible travel for residents and visitors alike, making it easier for travelers to explore Saudi Arabia affordably without compromising on reliability or convenience.
Madinah’s Rising Importance as a Tourism and Aviation Hub
As one of Islam’s holiest cities, Madinah holds unparalleled religious significance. With millions of visitors arriving each year, expanding domestic connectivity enhances pilgrims’ ability to extend their journeys across Saudi Arabia for both spiritual and leisure travel.
Strengthening Madinah as a domestic aviation hub supports the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions by:
- Easing the movement of pilgrims between regions
- Encouraging greater exploration of Saudi heritage and natural attractions
- Facilitating business and family travel across the Kingdom
- Supporting local economies through increased visitor flows
With flyadeal’s latest expansion, Madinah’s role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism and transport ecosystem becomes even more central, supporting both national development and regional mobility.
Alignment with Vision 2030: A Blueprint for Tourism Growth
Flyadeal’s ongoing expansion aligns fully with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a leading global tourism destination. The airline has outlined clear growth ambitions, including plans to triple its route network to more than 100 destinations and double its fleet size to 100 aircraft by the end of the decade.
This aggressive growth strategy reflects the Kingdom’s broader commitment to increasing tourist arrivals, enhancing visitor experiences and developing the aviation sector as a major pillar of economic diversification.
As travel demand surges across the Middle East, flyadeal’s strategic additions will help position Saudi Arabia as an accessible, attractive and diverse destination for global audiences.
Opening Up Saudi Arabia’s Undiscovered Treasures
The new routes are particularly significant for shining a spotlight on destinations that remain relatively unexplored yet hold immense tourism potential.
- Jazan offers coral reefs, volcanic landscapes and traditional island communities.
- Qassim provides an authentic rural escape, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s agricultural heartland.
- Arar opens the door to dramatic desert vistas, stargazing experiences and cultural tourism tied to northern tribes.
These regions, once remote for many travelers, are now within easy reach—inviting both residents and international visitors to discover Saudi Arabia’s diversity beyond its major metropolitan centers.
Affordable Travel for a New Era of Tourism
Flyadeal’s low-cost business model is integral to the Kingdom’s plan to make domestic travel accessible for all. By offering attractive fares and frequent services, the airline ensures that exploring Saudi Arabia is no longer limited to major cities or special occasions.
For residents of Jazan, Qassim and Arar, the new connections also open the door to economic opportunity, medical travel, education access and family visits—further stimulating development in these regions.
Supporting Both Pilgrimage and Leisure Travel
As Madinah welcomes increasing numbers of pilgrims each year, domestic flight accessibility becomes essential. Flyadeal’s expanded operations ensure smoother journeys for those traveling onward to other Saudi destinations, whether for worship, business or tourism.
At the same time, these new services support the Kingdom’s efforts to position itself as a multifaceted tourism destination. Visitors can now easily combine spiritual journeys with nature exploration, heritage tourism or desert adventures.
A Major Step Forward for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Future
Flyadeal’s launch of new routes from Madinah to Jazan, Qassim and Arar represents more than an expansion of flight services—it signifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to shaping a dynamic, interconnected and visitor-friendly tourism economy.
With enhanced connectivity, increased flight capacity and a growing fleet, flyadeal is helping unlock the full potential of Saudi tourism while supporting national goals under Vision 2030. As more regions become accessible, the Kingdom is poised to welcome a new wave of travelers eager to discover its rich cultural, historical and natural treasures.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation is accelerating—and with flyadeal’s growth, the skies ahead look more open and promising than ever.
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