An Air Arabia Group-led consortium will commence airline operations from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on September 20, 2026, after receiving its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The consortium comprises Air Arabia Group, Nesma Group and KUN Holding Company, with majority Saudi ownership.

The airline will initially operate domestic services connecting Dammam with Riyadh, Jeddah and Medinah.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “The launch of our operations from King Fahd International Airport marks a strategic milestone in Air Arabia Group’s growth journey and reflects our commitment to expanding affordable and reliable air travel options for customers across the Kingdom. We thank the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Dammam Airports for their support and look forward to the start of operations soon.”

He added: “Through our value-driven business model, we aim to enhance air connectivity across the Kingdom, particularly in the Eastern Province, by offering customers a wider choice of direct domestic and international destinations from King Fahd International Airport.”

The carrier will operate twice-daily flights from Dammam to Riyadh and Jeddah, while the Dammam-Medinah route will operate daily.

The new services are expected to provide travellers with additional domestic connectivity and travel options.

Mohammed Al-Hassany, Chief Executive Officer of Dammam Airports, welcomed the launch, saying the start of Air Arabia’s operations to domestic and international destinations reflects King Fahd International Airport’s growing position and the confidence of its partners in its operational capabilities.

He also commended GACA for supporting the development of the partnership between Dammam Airports and Air Arabia.

Al-Hassany said Dammam Airports is entering a new phase of growth focused on strengthening air connectivity and providing travellers from the Eastern Province with access to destinations worldwide. He reaffirmed the airport operator’s commitment to the objectives of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, in support of Saudi Vision 2030.

Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. Passengers will have access to onboard services including generous legroom, SkyTime complimentary in-flight streaming and SkyCafe dining. The airline also offers AirRewards, its loyalty programme. -TradeArabia News Service