Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost airline flyadeal ended 2025 on a record-setting high, closing out a year marked by unprecedented expansion, operational excellence, and milestone achievements across its network.

The carrier transported 10.7 million passengers—a 33% increase year-on-year—crossing the 10-million threshold for the first time in its history. This growth was achieved despite a comparatively modest 21% rise in seat capacity, underscoring strong market demand and efficient utilization.

Network expansion was equally robust: flyadeal added 66% more routes than in 2024, fueled by new aircraft deliveries, intensified international operations, and its largest-ever Hajj and Umrah pilgrim transport campaign. The airline’s scheduled and seasonal destinations rose by 50%, spanning markets across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and South Asia.

The number of pilgrims ferried to the Kingdom more than doubled to 220,000, reflecting flyadeal’s growing role in facilitating global religious travel. To support its increasing scale, the airline opened a new Operations Control Centre in Jeddah—four times the size of the previous facility—and announced Madinah as its fourth operational base within Saudi Arabia.

In a string of industry firsts, flyadeal became the first Saudi airline to wet-lease aircraft both into and out of the Kingdom, and an early mover regionally by training its cabin crew as accredited tour guides.

The carrier also widened its commercial footprint by joining the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and signing its first Global Distribution System (GDS) agreement with Amadeus, making its inventory more accessible to travel agents worldwide. It furthermore launched its first loyalty partnership with AlFursan, Saudia’s rewards programme, enabling customers to earn and redeem miles across both airlines.

Complementing its growth story, flyadeal maintained its reputation for reliability—posting an On-Time Performance (OTP) rate of nearly 90% throughout 2025, making it the most punctual low-cost airline in the Middle East and North Africa. In June 2025, the carrier was named the world’s most punctual airline—across both budget and full-service categories—achieving 91.77% on-time performance, according to Cirium data.

Executives highlight resilience, vision, and performance
CEO Steven Greenway described 2025 as a “landmark year,” crediting success to strategic foresight, teamwork, and swift adaptation to new opportunities.

“We expanded our footprint aggressively—launching new routes in Pakistan and Syria, boosting our Egyptian operations, and setting a new record for inbound pilgrim traffic,” said Greenway. “Our people’s dedication and agility made this possible, and 2026 promises even more exciting developments.”

COO Captain Abdulaziz Bahri reflected on operational achievements supported by 16 additional aircraft—including eight wet-leased jets that played a key role in managing global Hajj and Umrah flights.

“It was likely the most successful year in our history, both operationally and in punctuality,” he said.

CFO Abdulrahman Ajabnoor detailed the airline’s strategic leap into long-haul operations, including an order for 10 new Airbus A330 widebodies.

“With strong backing from the Saudia Group, we’re investing sensibly for the future while keeping operational costs low to deliver affordable fares,” he emphasized.

Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Rogier van Enk highlighted flyadeal’s expanded fare options and service upgrades, remarking that the airline’s broad network now connects “more cities, more often,” while enhancing the passenger experience.

CIO Mohannad AlSalmi credited the airline’s in-house technology team for its transformative role.

“Building internal tech capabilities allowed us to roll out essential projects that boosted efficiency and ensured smooth operations 24/7,” he said.

Chief People Officer Mohammed Mudhish celebrated workforce growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030, noting the company’s 1,800-strong team and its new cadet pilot and student internship programmes that foster Saudi talent.

Chief Audit, Risk and Compliance Officer Yasir Malak remarked that 2025 “tested the company’s resilience,” but also reinforced its governance and operational discipline.

2025 at a glance

• 10.7 million passengers carried (+33%), surpassing 10 million for the first time.

• Seat capacity up 21%.

• 159 routes operated (+66%) from multiple Saudi bases.

• 43 destinations served year-round and seasonally (+50%).

• Fleet expanded to 44 Airbus A320s plus eight wet-leased aircraft.

• 220,000 Hajj and Umrah passengers carried (+107%).

• Widebody fleet order: 10 Airbus A330s.

• Expansion into South Asia via five routes to Pakistan and debut services to Damascus.

• Named most punctual airline in MENA and world’s No. 1 in June 2025 (Cirium).

• Opened new Jeddah Operations Control Centre.

• Launched loyalty, training, and talent programmes aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, secured the top position among airlines worldwide for on-time performance in June, while its low-cost subsidiary flyadeal emerged as the leading carrier in the Middle East and Africa, according to aviation analytics company Cirium.

The latest Cirium report showed that Saudia achieved an on-time arrival rate of 92.38% and an on-time departure rate of 93.02% across 13,350 flights during the month. Meanwhile, flyadeal operated 5,150 flights and recorded an on-time arrival performance of 95.42%, alongside an on-time departure rate of 96.63%.

The achievement came during one of the busiest periods of the year for Saudi aviation, with June coinciding with the large-scale return of Hajj pilgrims to their home countries and the beginning of the summer travel season.

Saudia Group said the strong results reflected the effectiveness of its integrated operational framework, supported by coordinated efforts across its business units and close collaboration with aviation industry partners. The airline noted that this approach enabled it to maintain high levels of punctuality despite increased traffic volumes and operational demands.

The group also highlighted the role of advanced digital platforms and artificial intelligence-driven technologies in improving operational performance. These systems enhanced planning accuracy, strengthened forecasting capabilities and supported real-time decision-making, helping the airline maintain operational discipline and flexibility across both scheduled and additional flights.

The latest rankings underscore Saudia Group’s continued focus on operational reliability and service efficiency as it manages growing passenger demand across its expanding network.

Source: TradeArabia News Service

Air Tanzania has overhauled its international growth strategy following its exclusion from the European market, shifting its focus toward Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East through a series of new routes and network expansions.

The state-owned carrier has been unable to pursue its planned London service since the European Union imposed restrictions on the airline and other Tanzanian operators over safety concerns. In response, Air Tanzania has redirected its long-haul ambitions eastward, expanding services to destinations including Russia, Oman, India, China and the Gulf region.

A key milestone in this strategy was the launch of direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Moscow on July 1. The service operates three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with return flights routed through Zanzibar. The route places Air Tanzania among a small group of African airlines offering nonstop connections to the Russian capital, alongside Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir.

The airline is also preparing to begin direct operations between Dar es Salaam and Muscat later this month, with return services via Zanzibar. The route will introduce competition on a market currently served only by Oman Air. Additional expansion plans include the resumption of Dubai flights from August 1, an increase in Mumbai frequencies from four weekly services to daily operations, and the addition of a new cargo frequency to Guangzhou.

According to Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), the expansion reflects a broader strategy focused on commercial opportunities rather than simply replacing lost European routes.

Jerry Ngewe, ATCL’s public relations manager and spokesperson, said each destination has been selected following detailed operational and commercial assessments. He noted that Mumbai serves as a key centre for trade, healthcare and business travel, Guangzhou supports growing economic ties between Tanzania and China while offering cargo potential, and Moscow provides access to an emerging tourism market.

The airline’s strategic shift follows regulatory action by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which cited safety concerns when it barred Air Tanzania from operating in Europe in December 2024. In June 2025, the EU expanded its restrictions by placing all Tanzanian airlines on its Air Safety List, citing deficiencies in oversight by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). The latest update issued last month confirmed that Tanzanian carriers remain prohibited from flying to European destinations.

Despite the restrictions, ATCL maintains that its eastern expansion is driven by demand rather than necessity. Ngewe said the airline sees strong growth opportunities in markets supported by trade, tourism, investment flows and government cooperation agreements, while maintaining a globally focused long-term strategy.

Industry analysts have expressed optimism about the carrier’s approach. Dickson Omondi, former head of marketing at Kenya Airways, described Moscow as a largely untapped opportunity and said Air Tanzania is positioning itself ahead of competitors that may later enter the market.

Tourism is expected to play a central role in the success of the new routes. Tanzania has increased its international tourism profile in recent years, while Russian travel to African destinations has grown since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict and the imposition of sanctions on Moscow.

Sean Mendis, an aviation commentator and former operations executive at Africa World Airlines, said Russian visitor numbers to Africa have expanded significantly since 2022, creating opportunities for destinations such as Tanzania to attract new travellers and strengthen regional connectivity.

Historically, Russia has represented a relatively small tourism market for Tanzania. According to Tourism Minister Ashatu Kijaji, the country welcomed approximately 17,000 Russian visitors last year. However, officials expect that figure to rise significantly. Following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent visit, Kijaji said Tanzania anticipates more than 200,000 visitors from Moscow this year as awareness of the destination grows.

Analysts also point to broader economic trends, including the growing influence of BRICS, as a factor supporting demand. The bloc now comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, creating new opportunities for trade and business travel across emerging markets.

Air Tanzania reports encouraging early results from its latest route launches and network expansions. While the airline has not released specific load factor or traffic data, it says both passenger and cargo demand have been positive.

The long-term question remains whether eastern markets can fully offset the loss of access to Europe, traditionally regarded as a higher-yield region due to stronger consumer spending and established travel demand. Analysts argue that destinations such as Moscow, Mumbai, Muscat, Dubai and Guangzhou could nevertheless provide sustainable growth opportunities, particularly because competition is less intense than on many European routes.

Even as it expands eastward, Air Tanzania has not abandoned its ambitions in Europe. The airline continues to view London as a strategic destination and plans to launch services once regulatory restrictions are lifted. Tanzanian authorities and the TCAA are working to address the safety issues identified by European regulators in hopes of restoring access to the market.

Industry observers believe Air Tanzania’s move into emerging eastern markets could also influence other African carriers, including Kenya Airways and RwandAir, to explore similar opportunities as competition intensifies across global aviation.

Source: ZAWYA

Oman’s two leading airlines, Oman Air and SalamAir, have significantly expanded their operations to Salalah for the Khareef Dhofar 2026 season, responding to strong travel demand with a major increase in flight frequencies and seat availability.

During peak travel periods, Oman Air has raised its daily seat capacity to Salalah from around 675 seats in April to more than 3,000 seats, representing a substantial increase in available travel options. Over the same period, SalamAir expanded its daily capacity from 495 seats to 1,505 seats.

The combined seasonal programme has resulted in an additional 192 flights and 35,639 extra seats on the Muscat–Salalah route during July alone, highlighting the growing popularity of the annual tourism season in Dhofar.

Alongside strengthening domestic connectivity, both carriers have introduced new international services aimed at attracting more overseas visitors while providing greater travel convenience for residents across Oman.

To support accessibility, Oman Air has retained its fixed national fare for Omani citizens at the level first introduced in 2023. Under the scheme, return flights between Muscat and Salalah are available for RO54. SalamAir continues to offer its dedicated residents’ fare from RO9.99 one way and recently marked the arrival of its newest aircraft, Salalah, by pricing every seat on its inaugural return service at RO9.99.

Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said the Khareef season remains one of the country’s most important tourism attractions and noted that the airline is focused on balancing affordable travel for Omanis with efforts to attract more international visitors. He added that the expanded schedule would help stimulate local businesses, support the tourism sector and promote Oman to a wider global audience.

SalamAir Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns said the airline’s 2026 Khareef programme represents its largest seasonal operation so far. He stated that the carrier’s expanded network, higher frequencies and increased capacity are designed to improve access to Dhofar for travellers from Oman and across the region, while maintaining a strong focus on affordability through resident fares and promotional offers.

The expanded operations underscore the growing importance of Khareef Dhofar as a regional tourism event and reflect continued investment by both airlines in supporting Oman’s tourism and economic development goals.

Source: ZAWYA

Africa’s aviation sector is witnessing a surge in competition as airlines expand fleets, launch new routes and strengthen partnerships to secure a larger share of the continent’s rapidly growing regional travel market.

The push is being driven by the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), increasing economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and rising demand for both business and leisure travel. Industry players are leveraging these developments to expand connectivity and position themselves as leading regional carriers.

Airlines are increasingly focusing on intra-African networks as part of broader efforts to improve transportation links, support trade and boost tourism across the continent.

Among the latest developments, Nigeria’s Air Peace is scheduled to launch flights next month from Lagos to Douala, Libreville, Bamako and Conakry, representing one of the airline’s largest regional expansion initiatives in recent years.

Efe Osifo-Whiskey, Air Peace’s Corporate Communications Lead and spokesperson, said the new routes demonstrate the carrier’s commitment to strengthening air links across Africa. He noted that the expansion will provide passengers with more travel options while supporting trade, tourism, investment and regional integration.

Elsewhere, Ethiopian Airlines continues to reinforce its position as Africa’s largest carrier by increasing frequencies across West, Central and Southern Africa. The airline is also evaluating the acquisition of approximately 25 regional aircraft and expanding its multi-hub strategy through investments in partner airlines across the continent.

Kenya Airways is enhancing connectivity through its Nairobi hub by adding more regional services within East and Central Africa while expanding operations to West African destinations as part of ongoing fleet optimisation efforts.

RwandAir is similarly expanding its network, introducing additional routes across West, Central and Southern Africa as it seeks to strengthen Kigali’s role as a regional aviation gateway.

In West Africa, Lomé-based ASKY Airlines continues to target underserved markets. The carrier recently added a Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, bringing its total fleet size to 16 aircraft and increasing capacity for regional operations.

Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines is also preparing for broader regional growth following recent fleet expansion and its membership in the African Airlines Association. Chief Commercial Officer Adedayo Olawuyi said the airline plans to introduce services to Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Abidjan and Conakry, with West and Central Africa forming the core of its expansion strategy.

Other Nigerian carriers are also extending their regional reach. Ibom Air recently launched international services on the Uyo–Accra route, while ValueJet has expanded operations with scheduled flights between Lagos and Accra.

Ibom Air Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer George Uriesi described the launch as a significant milestone, highlighting the airline’s ability to offer seamless passenger connections between Abuja and Accra through its Uyo hub.

Industry analysts say the growing number of route launches and fleet additions reflects the increasing influence of SAATM, which is gradually removing market access restrictions and encouraging greater competition among African airlines.

They believe that as carriers continue to invest in new aircraft, expand networks and deepen regional partnerships, passengers will benefit from improved connectivity, easier travel across borders and stronger economic integration throughout Africa.

Source: ZAWYA

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has projected that global air travel will continue its long-term expansion, with annual passenger numbers expected to reach approximately 10 billion by 2045.

In its latest global market outlook released on Wednesday, Airbus forecast average yearly air traffic growth of 3.9% over the next two decades, a trend that would result in passenger volumes doubling compared with current levels. The projection aligns with similar forecasts previously published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

To meet rising demand, Airbus estimates that airlines worldwide will require more than 42,000 new aircraft by 2045. Of these, around 22,240 aircraft will be needed to support market growth, while 19,820 jets will replace aging fleets currently in service.

The aircraft manufacturer also expects wide-body aircraft to account for roughly 19% of future deliveries, reflecting continued demand for long-haul international travel.

Airbus identified urbanization, sustained economic development, and the expansion of middle-class populations as the primary factors driving future growth in air transportation.

The company anticipates that aviation networks will become increasingly decentralized, with growth concentrated not only in major metropolitan centers but also in smaller and medium-sized cities. According to Airbus, this trend is expected to create more direct connections between regional destinations, reducing reliance on traditional hub airports.

As a result, fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft designed for short- and medium-haul routes are expected to remain the backbone of airline fleet expansion. Airbus noted that market demand is reflected in its current order backlog, which exceeds 9,000 aircraft.

Source: QCAA