Saudi minister of transport and logistics opens flyadeal’s new operations control centre
Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost carrier flyadeal has officially inaugurated its new Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC) at its Jeddah headquarters, marking a major milestone in the airline’s rapid expansion.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was officiated by His Excellency Engr. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of Saudia Group, in the presence of His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group and Chairman of flyadeal, alongside Steven Greenway, Chief Executive Officer of flyadeal.
The new standalone IOCC is four times larger than the airline’s previous facility and has been designed to support flyadeal’s growing operational scale. It features expanded monitoring capabilities, additional operational screens, and increased workspace to accommodate a larger operations team aligned with the airline’s long-term growth plans.
As the operational nerve centre of the airline, the IOCC is responsible for managing and monitoring daily flight operations, dispatching aircraft, coordinating crew resources and maintenance activities, and responding to operational disruptions while maintaining safety and punctuality standards.
flyadeal currently operates up to 250 scheduled flights per day, surpassed 10 million passengers annually for the first time in 2025, and has achieved the best on-time performance among Middle East low-cost carriers for 11 consecutive months. The airline is also recognised as the region’s fastest-growing carrier.
Steven Greenway said the opening of the new IOCC reflects flyadeal’s evolution into a high-frequency operator with expanding international ambitions.
“The Integrated Operations Control Centre is the heartbeat of any airline. It is the central command unit that enables decision-making, contingency planning, and real-time coordination across a complex 24/7 operation,” he said.
Greenway added that the airline’s expansion beyond its initial scale since launching operations in 2017 necessitated a purpose-built facility capable of supporting increased flight volumes and network growth, particularly as flyadeal accelerates its international expansion.
During the visit, senior officials were briefed by flyadeal’s management team on the airline’s current operational performance, fleet and network growth plans for 2026, and its long-term strategic roadmap.
Mohammed Ashour, Head of IOCC at flyadeal, said the investment demonstrates the airline’s commitment to operational excellence.
“Our focus is on maximising efficiency and minimising disruption, particularly during adverse weather conditions or unexpected technical issues. The IOCC plays a critical role in ensuring seamless communication with crew, ground staff, airports and passengers,” he said.
flyadeal currently operates from bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, serving more than 30 domestic and international destinations across the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia with a modern fleet of 43 Airbus A320 family aircraft. The airline aims to expand its network and fleet to over 100 cities and aircraft by 2030.
From 1 January 2026, flyadeal will add Madinah as its fourth operational base in Saudi Arabia, strengthening air connectivity to the Holy City and catering to pilgrims, leisure travellers and business passengers.
