Flying
Flyadeal
Riyadh to Madinah

Flyadeal is Saudi Arabia's budget carrier, and I decided to test them on the popular Riyadh to Madinah route. With 12 to 15 daily flights on this corridor, it's one of the busiest domestic routes in the kingdom. Here's what I discovered about flying budget in Saudi Arabia.

Watch the full flight review on the Salman Travel Diaries YouTube channel.

The Journey

When booking with Flyadeal, you need to watch out for the tricks that most budget airlines pull. During checkout, several items come pre-selected by default, things like baggage and insurance that you probably don't need. I've learned that on many carriers, if you skip seat selection and simply ask politely at the check-in counter, they'll assign you a seat for free based on availability. Not with Flyadeal. They still charge you for seat selection even if you try this approach, so factor that into your budget.

My journey was from Riyadh to Madinah, a relatively short hop of about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The aircraft was an Airbus A320, compact but sufficient for this route. The seats were comfortable enough, and the legroom was acceptable, nothing fancy but nothing cramped either. This is domestic Saudi travel, after all, and the demand is huge.

Once airborne from Riyadh, the views are mostly desert for a good stretch of the flight. But as we approached Madinah, the landscape began to shift. Desert gave way to mountains and plateaus, which added some visual interest to the journey. The final descent was smooth.

When we landed at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, the architecture spoke volumes about the destination. The terminal building features Islamic design elements inspired by the holiness of the city. You'll spot beautiful calligraphy and traditional arches throughout the airport. It set the right tone for arriving in one of Islam's holiest cities.

Overall, the flight was uneventful in the best way possible. No delays, competent crew, and we arrived on time. For a budget carrier, Flyadeal delivered on the basics without unnecessary frills.

Flight path overlay on satellite map of Saudi Arabia between two cities.

Contemporary airport architecture featuring decorative white columns and interior amenities.

The Airline: Honest Review

Flyadeal operates as Saudi Arabia's budget airline, offering both domestic and select international routes. On this Riyadh to Madinah flight, I flew an Airbus A320, a common narrow-body jet ideal for short-haul routes. The cabin is utilitarian, with basic economy seating and minimal amenities, which is standard for the budget tier. The airline operates frequent service on this route due to heavy domestic demand in Saudi Arabia, so you'll always have flight options.

Service quality is basic but professional. The cabin crew was courteous and efficient, though you shouldn't expect the hospitality of a full-service carrier. There was no meal service on this short flight, which is typical for budget airlines on one-hour routes. The airline's punctuality was solid, and we landed exactly on schedule. Where Flyadeal differs from other budget carriers is their inflexibility on seat selection charges. Unlike some competitors who waive fees at check-in, Flyadeal insists on payment for premium seat selection. This limits cost-saving opportunities. Value for money is reasonable if you book smartly and avoid pre-selected extras during checkout. For budget-conscious travelers on domestic Saudi routes, Flyadeal offers a no-nonsense alternative to more expensive carriers.

Ratings

The Verdict

Flyadeal is a solid budget option for domestic travel within Saudi Arabia, especially on the frequent Riyadh-Madinah route. Book smartly by skipping unnecessary add-ons, and expect a no-frills but reliable experience. It's ideal if you prioritize savings over comfort and want to avoid airline fees with careful booking.