UAE’s Air Arabia to create 2,400 jobs with new Dammam airline launch
New low-cost airline to fly 24 domestic and 57 international routes
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is set to launch a new low-cost national airline from Dammam, with UAE’s Air Arabia leading a consortium that includes Nesma Group and KUN Holding.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) awarded the bid to the trio as part of the Kingdom’s ambitious push to become a regional aviation hub.
The carrier will operate from King Fahd International Airport and aims to serve 10 million passengers annually across 81 routes – 24 domestic and 57 international – using a fleet of 45 aircraft.
Vision 2030 push
The project falls under Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a key pillar of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and strengthen the Kingdom’s position in global tourism, logistics, and transport.
The airline is expected to create more than 2,400 direct jobs while significantly improving operational efficiency, seat availability, and service quality at King Fahd International Airport.
Air Arabia’s expanding footprint
For Air Arabia, the project reinforces its expanding presence in the region. Group CEO Adel Al Ali called the win a “key milestone” and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to supporting Saudi aviation with its value-driven, low-cost model.
Nesma Group and KUN Holding echoed this sentiment, positioning the airline not only as a transport initiative but a contributor to local economic development, tourism infrastructure, and talent empowerment.
Eastern Province connectivity
The new airline will boost air connectivity from the Eastern Province, supporting Saudi Arabia’s target to handle 100 million passengers annually by 2030. The Dammam-based hub will focus on both domestic and international growth, aligning with broader national efforts to transform the aviation landscape and create a sustainable tourism economy.