A consortium of Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and KUN Holding has secured approval from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to establish a new national low-cost carrier based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The airline aims to strengthen domestic and international connectivity in the Eastern Province, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
The carrier plans to operate 45 aircraft by 2030, serving 24 domestic and 57 international destinations, and expects to handle 10 million passengers annually. The project will generate over 2,400 direct aviation-sector jobs and bolster regional tourism and economic development.
Air Arabia CEO Adel Al Ali called the win a major milestone in expanding the group’s regional footprint. Nesma Group and KUN Holding leaders emphasised the airline’s role in driving tourism infrastructure, empowering local talent, and showcasing public–private sector cooperation in support of sustainable national growth.