Saudi Arabia’s Airlines: From Budget Carriers to Luxury Jets
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not just transforming its cities and economy under Vision 2030—its aviation sector is also soaring to new heights. New airlines are launching, existing ones are expanding, and airports across the country are being upgraded to handle millions more passengers.
For travelers, this means more choices, better services, and wider networks than ever before. Whether you’re flying within the Kingdom, heading abroad for business, or looking for a luxury private jet, Saudi Arabia now offers airlines for every type of journey and budget.
Saudi Arabia Airline List
Here’s your detailed guide to Saudi Airlines—from affordable low-cost carriers to premium full-service and private aviation.
🇸🇦 1. Saudia – The National Pride and Global Connector
- Founded: May 27, 1945
- Headquarters: Jeddah
- Fleet: 143 aircraft (89 Airbus + 54 Boeing)
- Main Hubs: Jeddah (King Abdulaziz Airport), Riyadh (King Khalid Airport), Dammam (King Fahd Airport)
- Network: 100+ international destinations
Saudia is the flag carrier and the largest airline in Saudi Arabia. Its story began in 1945 with just one DC-3 aircraft gifted by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, it operates a massive modern fleet serving destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
What makes Saudia special?
- Pilgrim Flights: Every year, millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims rely on Saudia to travel to the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.
- Premium Experience: Offers first class, business class, and economy, with full-service hospitality.
- SkyTeam Member: As part of the SkyTeam Alliance, Saudia passengers enjoy global connectivity with partner airlines.
👉 Best For: International travelers, families, and pilgrims seeking comfort and reliability.
🟢 2. Flyadeal – Affordable, Simple, and Fast
- Founded: April 17, 2016
- First Flight: September 23, 2017 (Jeddah → Riyadh)
- Ownership: Subsidiary of Saudia Group
- Fleet: Airbus A320neo aircraft
- Focus: Domestic & short regional routes
Flyadeal was launched to bring budget-friendly travel to Saudi skies. It is perfect for passengers who just want to get from point A to point B quickly, without paying extra for meals or checked baggage.
Why choose Flyadeal?
- Ultra Low-Cost: You only pay for your seat—everything else (like baggage, meals, or seat selection) is optional.
- Young Fleet: Operates a modern Airbus A320neo fleet with fuel efficiency and comfort.
- Regional Reach: Expanding to nearby international destinations in the Gulf and Middle East.
👉 Best For: Budget-conscious domestic travelers and students.
🟠 3. Flynas – Saudi Arabia’s First Low-Cost Pioneer
- Founded: 2007
- Fleet: 61 aircraft
- Weekly Flights: Over 1,500
- Destinations: 70+ cities worldwide
Flynas is a privately owned low-cost airline and was one of the first to challenge Saudia’s dominance. It connects major Saudi cities while also flying to popular destinations abroad such as Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, India, and even parts of Europe.
Highlights of Flynas:
- Competitive Pricing: Strong focus on affordable international travel.
- Award-Winning: Named the Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline multiple times by the World Travel Awards.
- Expansion: Rapidly growing fleet with a vision to become one of the largest low-cost carriers in the region.
👉 Best For: Affordable domestic & international flights with flexible options.
✈️ 4. Nesma Airlines – The Regional Connector
- Founded: 2008
- Parent Company: Nesma Holding Group
- Operations: Based in Egypt, with links to Saudi Arabia
- Focus: Middle East & North Africa
Nesma Airlines occupies a smaller but important role in the aviation market. While Saudi-owned, its main operations are in Egypt, connecting Saudi Arabia with destinations across North Africa and the Middle East.
Why Nesma?
- Niche Role: Focuses on secondary routes not covered by bigger carriers.
- Affordable Regional Flights: Often cheaper than full-service competitors.
👉 Best For: Travel between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and neighboring countries.
🛩️ 5. Saudia Private Aviation (SPA) – Luxury Above the Clouds
- Founded: 2009
- Bases: Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, Dammam
- Services: Private jet charters, medical evacuation, aircraft management
SPA is the luxury and executive arm of Saudia. It caters to VIPs, government officials, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals. Passengers enjoy tailored services, private lounges, and direct flights to almost any destination.
Why it stands out:
- Fleet Variety: Offers different sizes of private jets.
- Privacy & Flexibility: Skip queues and fly on your own schedule.
- Special Missions: Includes medical evacuation and corporate services.
👉 Best For: Royalty, business executives, and those seeking ultimate luxury travel.
🌍 6. Riyadh Air – The Future of Saudi Aviation
- Announced: March 12, 2023
- Owner: Public Investment Fund (PIF)
- Expected Launch: 2025
- Planned Fleet: 100+ next-generation aircraft
Riyadh Air is set to be Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline and will operate alongside Saudia. Its headquarters in Riyadh aims to make the capital a global hub, similar to Dubai (Emirates) and Doha (Qatar Airways).
What to expect:
- Tourism Boost: A major pillar of Vision 2030, designed to attract millions of tourists.
- Global Reach: Plans to connect Riyadh to hundreds of destinations worldwide.
- Next-Gen Fleet: Focus on sustainability and modern passenger experience.
👉 Best For: Future travelers seeking global connections from Riyadh.
📊 Quick Comparison of Saudi Airlines
| Airline | Type | Year Started | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudia | Full-Service | 1945 | Global travel, Hajj & Umrah |
| Flyadeal | Low-Cost | 2016 | Cheap domestic trips |
| Flynas | Low-Cost | 2007 | Budget international & domestic |
| Nesma Airlines | Regional Carrier | 2008 | Middle East & North Africa |
| Saudia Private Aviation | Private / Luxury | 2009 | VIP, corporate, private jet services |
| Riyadh Air | Full-Service (New) | 2023 | Future long-haul from Riyadh |
🧳 Which Airline Should You Choose?
- 💰 For Cheap Flights: Flynas or Flyadeal
- 🌍 For International Journeys: Saudia
- 🛩️ For Private Luxury: Saudia Private Aviation
- 🚀 For the Future: Riyadh Air (launching in 2025)
Looking for a job in the Gulf’s aviation industry? Gulf Job Hire is here to guide you toward the best career opportunities
🌟 Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is undergoing a massive transformation. From the trusted Saudia, which has carried generations of pilgrims, to the ambitious Riyadh Air, which will soon compete on the world stage, the Kingdom is building one of the most diverse aviation ecosystems in the world.
Whether you’re a budget traveler, a frequent business flyer, a pilgrim, or a luxury jetsetter, there’s a Saudi airline ready to serve you. And with ongoing investments in airports, fleets, and global connectivity, the future of air travel in Saudi Arabia looks brighter than ever.
