Air Arabia-led Saudi carrier takes off from Dammam with first Riyadh flight
Airbus A320 fleet offers 174 seats in a single-class configuration
DUBAI – Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier has begun operations from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, launching its first flight to Riyadh.
The Air Arabia-led consortium started services from the Eastern Province following the successful completion of regulatory and technical requirements. The launch introduces a new low-cost airline to Saudi Arabia’s domestic aviation market, with three initial routes connecting Dammam with major cities.
A special ceremony was held at King Fahd International Airport before the inaugural flight, bringing together officials, partners, guests and media representatives. A second welcome ceremony took place at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following the aircraft’s arrival.
يسعدنا الاحتفال بانطلاق رحلتنا الأولى من الدمام إلى الرياض، في خطوة مهمة تمثل بداية عملياتنا من المنطقة الشرقية ✈️
— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) September 21, 2026
ويعكس هذا الإطلاق التزامنا بدعم مواصلة تطوير قطاع الطيران في المملكة، وتوفير خيارات سفر موثوقة وبأسعار تنافسية من المنطقة الشرقية.
اقرأ المزيد… pic.twitter.com/w6Ltu4Sre1
Initial routes
The carrier currently operates two daily flights from Dammam to Riyadh and Jeddah, alongside one daily service to Medinah.
Air Arabia Group chief executive officer Adel Al Ali said the launch marked an important milestone for the new national budget carrier and highlighted its role in supporting the development of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.
He said the airline would begin with three key domestic routes before progressively expanding its network and services, while thanking the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Dammam Airports Company and other partners for their support.
Eng. Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, chief executive officer of Dammam Airports, said selecting King Fahd International Airport as the carrier’s operating base would strengthen connectivity for the Eastern Province and provide passengers with more travel options.
He also highlighted the airport’s operational capabilities and its role as an air gateway for the region, adding that Dammam Airports would continue working with partners to expand air traffic, destinations and passenger services.
New carrier
GACA announced in July 2025 that the Air Arabia-led consortium had won the competition to establish Saudi Arabia’s new carrier. The consortium comprises Air Arabia Group, Nesma Group and Kun Holding.
The airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from GACA last week, allowing it to begin commercial operations from its base at King Fahd International Airport. The certificate followed the completion of the required technical and regulatory procedures and confirmed compliance with applicable safety and operational requirements.
The new carrier follows Air Arabia’s established low-cost model, focusing on affordable air travel while offering reliability and passenger comfort.
Its fleet consists of Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 174 seats in a single-class cabin. The aircraft are designed with generous seat pitch to provide additional passenger comfort.