A yet-to-be-named new domestic airline is set to launch on September 20, with operations from Dammam's King Fahd International Airport.
The new aviation enterprise is being backed by Air Arabia Group, Nesma Group, and KUN Holding Company. Operating with majority Saudi ownership, the consortium has secured its Air Operator Certificate from Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation, paving the way for immediate scheduled passenger service across three key Saudi cities.
The regulatory authority granted an Air Operator Certificate to the new carrier on Monday, September 14, following the successful completion of standard safety, security, and operational evaluations. And it has been confirmed by Air Arabia that the new airline's debut flight will take off, on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The new low-cost carrier will initially serve Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah directly from its Eastern Province hub in Dammam. The inaugural timetable features double-daily flights connecting Dammam with Riyadh and Jeddah, alongside a daily service to Madinah. Bookings for all routes are now open through Air Arabia’s direct sales channels, call centres, and registered travel agencies.
Travellers can secure their seats directly through the Air Arabia website at airarabia.com, via the Air Arabia call centre, or through preferred travel agents.
Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, described the start of operations from Dammam as a strategic milestone in expanding affordable, value-driven air travel within the Kingdom. He noted that the carrier's primary goal is to bolster overall air connectivity in the Eastern Province, with plans to expand into international destinations as network operations scale up.
Services will be operated using Airbus A320 single-aisle aircraft. Passengers on board will have access to standard low-cost amenities, including SkyTime streaming services, the SkyCafe onboard menu, and integration into the AirRewards loyalty program.
Welcoming the announcement, Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, CEO of Dammam Airports, stated that the entry of the new consortium reflects growing partner confidence in King Fahd International Airport’s operational infrastructure. The expansion supports broader targets set under Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Saudi's Vision 2030 aviation program.
Read more here from Air Arabia
@airarabiagroup
airarabia.com
