Saudi Arabia is officially launching a new national low-cost airline, with plans to operate out of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam—marking a major development in the Kingdom’s expanding aviation ecosystem. Backed by a consortium of Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and KUN Holding, the airline will aim to transform air connectivity in the Eastern Province and support the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Awarded through a competitive bidding process by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the carrier will focus on affordability, network expansion, and regional development, with a fleet and route plan designed to serve 10 million passengers annually.
81 Destinations, 45 Aircraft & 2,400 Jobs
By 2030, the airline plans to connect 81 destinations—including 24 domestic and 57 international routes—with a fleet of 45 aircraft. The project is also expected to generate over 2,400 direct jobs within the aviation sector, creating new opportunities for national talent and aviation-related businesses in the region. The move is a direct response to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push to grow non-oil sectors, boost tourism, and position itself as a regional air travel hub.
Air Arabia’s Group CEO, Adel Al Ali, hailed the win as a “key milestone” in the group’s regional expansion strategy. “We are proud to be selected by GACA to launch a new national low-cost airline based in Dammam,” he said. According to him, this partnership will deliver a reliable and value-driven travel experience while contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Representatives from Nesma Group and KUN Holding echoed the sentiment, calling the project a bold step in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure and a showcase of public-private synergy. “This is more than an airline—it’s a platform for economic transformation, job empowerment, and positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism destination,” said Faisal Bin Saleh Al-Turki and Mohamed Bin Nabil Hefni in a joint statement.
As the Kingdom continues investing in air transport to meet rising travel demand and diversify its economy, the new Dammam-based carrier is set to play a key role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s next-generation aviation identity. With a low-cost model, regional expertise, and national backing, this launch positions Eastern Province as an emerging hub for affordable, efficient, and far-reaching air travel.
