IndiGo is set to transform travel between India and Saudi Arabia with the introduction of daily direct flights from Mumbai to Madinah, commencing on November 15, 2025. This new service is designed to cater to a variety of travelers, including religious pilgrims visiting one of Islam’s holiest cities, business professionals, and tourists eager to explore Saudi Arabia. The increase in demand for seamless travel options has been driven by soaring religious tourism, expanding business relationships, and heightened workforce mobility between the two nations.
This Mumbai-Madinah route represents a significant achievement for IndiGo, as it further solidifies its position as the only Indian airline operating direct flights between these two cities. With this development, IndiGo is responding to the growing need for affordable and efficient travel solutions, positioning itself as a central player in the burgeoning India-Saudi Arabia travel market.
IndiGo is already a prominent carrier in the Indian-Saudi Arabian aviation sector, currently offering over 150 flights between major Indian cities and destinations across Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. By adding the Mumbai-Madinah route, IndiGo is enhancing its portfolio and addressing the increasing number of Indian pilgrims journeying to Saudi Arabia for religious reasons, especially during peak pilgrimage periods like Hajj and Umrah. Beyond religious travel, the route also addresses the burgeoning demand from business and leisure travelers.
The airline operates these new routes aboard the Airbus A320, ensuring a comfortable and cost-effective option for passengers. Bookings for the Mumbai-Madinah flights are available through the IndiGo website and authorized travel partners. Given IndiGo’s reputation for punctuality and budget-friendly pricing, this initiative is expected to be well-received.
In addition to the new Mumbai-Madinah service, IndiGo will also be enhancing its operations on the Hyderabad-Madinah route, shifting from a four-times-weekly schedule to daily flights starting November 16, 2025. This expansion underscores IndiGo’s commitment to meeting the rising travel demand between India and Saudi Arabia.
The factors driving the increased air travel demand are varied. Religious tourism is notably significant, with millions of Indian Muslims making pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia annually, particularly to Madinah. Additionally, economic ties between India and Saudi Arabia have strengthened, leading to increased trade and workforce mobility. Following Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and bolstering tourism, the Kingdom is improving its infrastructure to welcome more international visitors, thus enhancing air connectivity.
IndiGo’s new direct flights present a vital link for Indian travellers seeking to visit Madinah’s sacred sites, including the Prophet’s Mosque. This expansion aligns with the broader trend of heightened connectivity and increased tourism potential as Saudi Arabia invests in its visitor infrastructure.
As IndiGo continues to broaden its international network, the introduction of direct flights to impractical yet high-demand destinations like Madinah effectively positions the airline as a preferred choice for travelers heading to Saudi Arabia for a variety of reasons—be it spiritual, business, or leisure. By seamlessly connecting India with this culturally rich and economically pivotal destination, IndiGo is poised for success in catering to the dynamic needs of its passengers.