Monday, July 21, 2025
Air Arabia Alliance Named Saudi Arabia’s New Low-Cost National Carrier at Dammam Airport
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia has announced that a group headed by Air Arabia of the United Arab Emirates has been awarded the contract to set up and operate a new low-cost national airline located in the Kingdom. Most Viewed: Important traffic violations and their fines
As part of the Kingdom's efforts to strengthen its aviation sector under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a new carrier will launch domestic and international flights to and from Dammam's King Fahd International Airport.
This was announced during the inauguration ceremony of King Fahd International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Qaisumah International Airport, which was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province. The event took place on Sunday. His Highness also inaugurated the Dammam Airports Strategy and a series of integrated development projects totaling more than 1.6 billion riyals.
GACA announced its decision after receiving proposals from several low-cost carriers. The partnership of Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and Ken Investment Holding Company won the bid to construct a new Dammam-based national air carrier with Saudi majority ownership.
The new low-cost carrier with headquarters in Dammam plans to carry around 10 million passengers per year to 81 locations by 2030, with 24 being domestic and 57 being international. See Also: Saudization and its rules
The airline's other goals include hiring around 2,400 people directly, operating a fleet of 45 planes, supporting the GDP of the aviation program, supporting economic growth, and promoting tourism in Dammam and Eastern Province.
The stated goals of GACA's action include the Eastern Province Air Connectivity Enhancement, Seat Capacity Maximization, improving the quality of services provided to travelers, and the Competitive Travel Options Initiative.
As a result, it will help Saudi Arabia achieve its goal of having the best civil aviation industry in the Middle East by 2030.
Eng. Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, said the new air carrier will expand transportation and travel infrastructure, boost economic growth, create local jobs, and improve air connectivity between the Eastern Province and other countries to support economic growth, promote sustainable development, and solidify the Kingdom's position as an international aviation hub and global logistics hub.
The alliance is expected to complete the economic and technical licensing procedures and begin operations in 2026. Join our Saudi Expatriates channel on Telegram for extra news updates
 |
| Air Arabia Alliance Named Saudi Arabia’s New Low-Cost National Carrier at Dammam Airport |
