Saudi Arabia’s newest national budget airline, led by Air Arabia, has started flights from Dammam, launching daily services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Medinah. This marks the airline’s operating base in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.
The carrier began operations with its flight from King Fahd International Airport to Riyadh on September 20. The initial flight schedule includes two flights from Dammam to Riyadh and two daily flights to Jeddah. Additionally,y the airline operates one flight per day to Medinah.
This new service gives travelers in the Eastern Province a low-cost option for reaching three of Saudi Arabia’s important domestic cities.
King Fahd International Airport has been named the airline’s hub as it begins to build its network. The General Authority of Civil Aviation selected the Air Arabia-led consortium in July 2025 after a process to create a new national carrier.
The consortium includes Air Arabia Group, Nesma Group and Kun Holding. The airline received its Air Operator Certificate from GACA last week after meeting all technical and regulatory requirements for commercial flights.
Adel Al Ali, executive of Air Arabia Group, called the launch a major milestone. He said the new airline will help grow Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector and provide affordable travel options from the Eastern Province.
The airline will use Airbus A320 aircraft following the low-cost model of Air Arabia. Each aircraft has 174 seats in a single-class cabin focusing on budget domestic travel.
The start of flights from Dammam adds another airline to Saudi Arabia’s expanding market. It also gives passengers choices on some of the country’s busiest routes.
The airline’s initial network focuses on Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Medinah. The Eastern Province is the starting point for growth.
The launch comes as Saudi Arabia works to increase aviation capacity and improve connectivity through plans for sector development. With its first three domestic routes running, the airline is ready to grow its network from Dammam and strengthen its presence in the Kingdom’s aviation market.