Saudi Arabia announced the establishment of a new national low-cost airline based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) granted the license to a consortium comprising Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and KAN Holding Company. The initiative aims to enhance air connectivity in the Eastern Province and increase seat capacity, aligning with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under Vision 2030.
Prince Saud bin Naif, the Emir of the Eastern Province, inaugurated the general plan for King Fahd International Airport and unveiled the new corporate identity for the airport. He stated that the expansion of the Saudi aviation sector is a direct result of the government's commitment to supporting this industry. The total value of the projects inaugurated exceeds 1.6 billion Saudi Riyals (approximately 427 million US dollars).
Adel Al Ali, CEO of Air Arabia Group, expressed gratitude for being selected to launch the new carrier. "We are proud to be chosen by the General Authority of Civil Aviation to launch a new national low-cost carrier based in Dammam," he said, according to Sky News Arabia. "Through our successful economic model and regional expertise, this new collaboration will provide travelers with a reliable and value-added travel experience, and will contribute to driving economic growth and providing job opportunities in the Eastern Province and beyond."
The new airline plans to operate a fleet of 45 aircraft capable of transporting approximately 10 million passengers annually. It aims to serve 24 domestic destinations and 57 international destinations by 2030, providing affordable connectivity across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This expansion will increase seat capacity and offer more travel options for residents and businesses in eastern Saudi Arabia.
The project is expected to create over 2,400 direct jobs across sectors in Saudi Arabia, contributing to local economic development and job creation in the region. The introduction of the low-cost carrier is anticipated to stimulate competition within the air transport market and improve the quality of services, supporting the Kingdom's advancements in aviation.
Prince Saud bin Naif also inaugurated the general plans for Al Ahsa International Airport and Al Qaisumah International Airport as part of integrated development projects. These efforts are in line with the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy and position the country as a global center for tourism and business activities.
The new airline supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy's goal of moving 100 million passengers annually by the end of the decade. By providing affordable travel options, the airline will also encourage the flow of investment and talent into Saudi Arabia.
Written with the help of a news-analysis system.