Riyadh - Saudi Arabia

Today, Monday, the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia handed over the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to the Air Arabia Alliance, as a new national economic air carrier based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, after meeting all regulatory requirements and standards of safety, security and operational quality.

24 domestic and 57 international destinations

The new carrier aims to serve 24 local destinations and 57 international destinations, and transport about 10 million passengers annually by 2030, in line with the objectives of the aviation program emanating from the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics, which seeks to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center and an international aviation hub.

2400 direct jobs

It is noteworthy that the Authority announced the victory of the “Air Arabia Alliance” (consisting of the “Air Arabia” group, the “Nesma” group, and the “Kun Holding” company) as the winner of this competition on July 20, 2025, as the best bid submitted with majority Saudi ownership. The carrier is expected to provide more than 2,400 direct jobs, support the gross domestic product, and enhance tourism and air connectivity to the eastern region.

Economic and tourism revitalization of the East
Starting operations from Dammam would enhance competition and develop performance in the air transport market, in addition to stimulating economic and tourism activity in the Eastern Region and generating new local job opportunities.

The importance of the new carrier for Arab tourists and investors

This carrier represents a qualitative addition to the travel options for Arab tourists, especially those coming from the Gulf countries, as it opens Dammam Airport as a direct access destination to the Eastern Province without passing through Riyadh or Jeddah, which shortens the travel time and facilitates tourism programs in the region. The project also enhances opportunities for Arab investors in the hospitality and tourism services sectors in the Eastern Region, which will witness increased economic activity with the start of operations of the new carrier and the expansion of its local and international network.