New Cheapest Destination Planner launched, assisting travellers to discover the most affordable destinations and the best value days to fly each month of the year.
Riyadh, 14 January 2026: 92%* of people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are planning to travel abroad in 2026, according to statistics released by Skyscanner, a leading global travel app, in association with OnePoll. While 70% have already booked their flights to their chosen destination, 51% of travellers are yet to finalise their vacation dates before making any arrangements.
With 64% of people worried about the costs of their international holiday, Skyscanner has released its Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for KSA travellers in 2026, spotlighting a range of vibrant, sun-soaked, culture-rich cities all at surprisingly low return fares.
Top 10 Cheapest Destinations in 2026 for KSA Travellers
| Ranking | Destination | Average Flight Price | Reason |
| 1 | Jeddah | 258 SAR (avg return) | Red Sea sunsets, coastal cafés, and heritage charm; the perfect quick escape inside the Kingdom. |
| 2 | Baku | 686 SAR | A chic blend of old and new stunning architecture and waterfront promenades. |
| 3 | Dubai | 800 SAR | Shopping, beach clubs, world-class dining; a weekend favourite for good reason. |
| 4 | Cairo | 954 SAR | Timeless history, vibrant culture, and a short, affordable flight away. |
| 5 | Istanbul | 963 SAR | Culture-rich neighbourhoods, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable food. |
| 6 | Mumbai | 1,024 SAR | Energetic, cinematic, and full of colour; ideal for culture and food lovers. |
| 7 | Hyderabad | 1,095 SAR | Historical palaces, spice-filled markets, and warm hospitality. |
| 8 | New Delhi | 1,109 SAR | A lively blend of ancient monuments, modern life, and dynamic markets. |
| 9 | Chennai | 1,326 SAR | Coastal breezes, temples, and laid-back South Indian culture. |
| 10 | Thiruvananthapuram | 1,503 SAR | A rising star for wellness travel; think of Ayurveda, beaches, and greenery. |
Skyscanner’s New Cheapest Destination Planner
With 54% of KSA travellers saying they would make their travel arrangements in January if they know the cheapest destination to visit in advance, Skyscanner has launched its new Cheapest Destination Planner that will identify the cheapest cities to visit every month and help you save on your travels.
How does the Cheapest Destination Planner function?
- Start by choosing the month you wish to travel.
- The tool will display the 10 most affordable destinations for that month, including key reasons to visit, the average price for a round-trip flight, and the cheapest travel days.
- Have you made your selection? You can then click to explore flight and hotel options for your chosen destination.
Cheapest Day to Travel
Tuesday offers the lowest average fares for KSA travellers, according to Skyscanner. In the poll, 40% of respondents correctly guessed Tuesday as the cheapest day to fly, followed by Wednesday (15%). However, prices vary by route and month. Tools like the Whole Month Search make it easier than ever to spot cheaper days instantly.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “Saudi travellers are craving meaningful experiences in 2026, but many feel unsure where to start or worried about rising costs. With return fares as low as 258–1,500 SAR to incredible destinations, and with our new Cheapest Destination Planner, travellers in the Kingdom now have everything they need to find affordable adventures all year long.”
Car Hire and Hotels
When it comes to accommodation, 47% have booked their hotels for their overseas trips while only 32% have booked car hire for their vacation. People can visit Skyscanner to find live and the most value-for-money options for accommodation and car hire.
Travel smarter in 2026 with Skyscanner
Designed to help travellers in Saudi Arabia stretch their budget further, these tools make finding a great deal easier than ever:
Price Drops: Skyscanner monitors flight prices and alerts travellers when unusual price drops of 20% or more appears, helping travellers book rare bargains before they disappear.
“Everywhere” Search: Simply type “Everywhere” into the destination box to instantly see the cheapest places you can fly to from Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam, ranked from lowest fare upwards.
Price Alerts: Still deciding? Save your preferred route, and Skyscanner will notify you whenever the fare rises or falls, giving you complete visibility into price fluctuations.
Saved Trips: collect and compare multiple destinations while planning. Perfect for travellers who are still exploring options and want to keep all route ideas in one place.
ENDS
