Sunday, October 6, 2024 Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flyadeal is setting its sights on regional growth within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, citing the Middle East’s potential as a primary focus for its expansion strategy. While European destinations are under consideration, they are not top priorities due to what Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway described as Europe’s “aviation unfriendly” environment, characterized by high taxes and stringent regulations. Speaking at the Routes World 2024 conference in Bahrain, Greenway outlined the airline’s strategic roadmap for growth, emphasizing the tremendous opportunities within the GCC and surrounding regions.
He also underscored the challenges posed by European markets, which, though valuable, do not currently align with Flyadeal’s near-term plans for international growth. Prioritizing the GCC: More Growth Potential Flyadeal, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian national carrier Saudia, has been rapidly expanding its operations, with an ambitious target to grow its fleet from 35 to 88 aircraft over the next four years. The airline currently operates predominantly within Saudi Arabia, with 80% of its flights serving domestic routes and the remaining 20% focusing on international destinations.
However, with the arrival of new aircraft, Flyadeal plans to shift this balance to 65% domestic and 35% international by 2028, with a clear focus on the GCC.
