Long-Haul to Saudi on a Budget Airline: Flyadeal Seals First Widebody Order

Think Middle Eastern low-cost carriers are just about short regional hops? Think again — flyadeal wants to disrupt the long-haul game.

Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flyadeal is preparing to enter the long-haul market.

On Wednesday, parent company Saudia Group announced a widebody aircraft order with Airbus. The deal for 10 A330neo jets, plus an additional 10 options, marks a major milestone in the development of the Jeddah-based budget airline.

The announcement comes less than a year after a separate order for single-aisle planes. In May 2024, the Saudia Group ordered 105 Airbus jets, including 54 A321neos for flyadeal. The low-cost carrier currently operates 37 A320 family aircraft.

Flyadeal is currently growing at around 10-15% per year – a trajectory that is due to continue until at least 2030.

Without sharing specific city targets, a statement published on Wednesday via Airbus said the or