Latest news with #KingFahdInternationalAirport
Condé Nast Traveler
5 days ago
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Middle East Is Getting a New Budget Airline
Just as Wizz Air announces its exit from Abu Dhabi, a new low-cost airline is preparing for take-off in the Middle East, promising to unlock a raft of new routes for regional travelers. Saudi Arabia has officially granted an operating license to the yet-to-be-named budget carrier, which will be headquartered at King Fahd International Airport in the eastern city of Dammam. The joint venture—backed by Sharjah-based Air Arabia, KUN Investment Holding, and Nesma—plans to serve 24 domestic and 57 international destinations by 2030, with the official route network set to be announced in the coming months. According to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation, the airline is targeting 10 million passengers a year by the end of the decade on a fleet of 45 aircraft. The regulator said the move is part of a broader push to boost air connectivity in the kingdom's Eastern Province, ramp up seat capacity, and offer travelers more affordable flight options across the region and beyond. While a formal launch date has yet to be confirmed, the new carrier is Saudi Arabia's second major airline debut in recent years, with Riyadh Air set for take-off later this year. Based out of Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, the new airline will open up more than 100 destinations by 2030, making it easier for travelers to fly directly between Saudi Arabia and major cities in Europe, Asia, and North America. The new budget carrier will be Saudi Arabia's second airline debut in recent years, with Riyadh Air scheduled to begin commercial flights by the end of 2025. Courtesy Riyadh Air Riyadh Air has already ordered dozens of Boeing's 787-9 Dreamliners, which feature the largest windows of any jet currently in the skies, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, large overhead bins, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride. At the Paris Air Show in 2023, Riyadh Air revealed its official indigo theme, with striking lines inspired by the twisting canopies of traditional Bedouin tents and the elegant curves of Arabic calligraphy. The bold look features a sweeping cockpit window design, with the signature color palette contrasting against a light iridescent fuselage that reflects 'purity and the future-focused vision of Saudi Arabia." The launch of Riyadh Air coincides with the construction of a futuristic new airport for Riyadh, which is set to be one of the largest in the world and will welcome more than 120 million passengers annually by the end of the decade. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.
CairoScene
21-07-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
New Saudi Low-Cost Airline to Launch From King Fahd Intl. Airport
The new low-cost airline will be launched from Dammam, aiming to serve 81 destinations and 10 million passengers annually by 2030. A new low-cost airline is preparing to take off from Dammam and will be headquartered at King Fahd International Airport. Poised to significantly enhance domestic and international connectivity across the Eastern Province, the launch of the new airline is part of a strategic public–private partnership aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to position the Kingdom as a regional aviation hub while accelerating tourism and economic diversification. Backed by the operational expertise of leading low-cost carriers, the airline plans to scale up to a fleet of 45 aircraft and connect passengers to 81 destinations—24 domestic and 57 international—by the end of the decade. Once fully operational, the airline is expected to serve up to 10 million passengers annually, improving access to and from Dammam while reducing reliance on hubs in other cities. Beyond enhanced connectivity, the project is also forecast to generate over 2,400 direct jobs within the aviation sector, supporting broader economic growth and employment across the region.
Filipino Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Saudi Arabia to launch new low-cost airline with 45-plane fleet by 2030
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to establish a new national low-cost airline with a fleet of 45 aircraft by 2030, according to state media reports released Sunday. The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation said that an alliance led by UAE-based carrier Air Arabia, along with two other companies, won the bid to operate the new airline. The carrier will be based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and will operate both domestic and international flights. According to state media, the airline is expected to serve 24 domestic destinations and 57 international routes, targeting an annual passenger volume of 10 million. Related Articles
Dubai Eye
21-07-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Air Arabia to launch low-cost Saudi airline
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced Sunday that a consortium made up of Air Arabia, Kun Investment Holding, and Nesma has secured the bid to operate a new low-cost national airline based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. According to a statement posted on X, the new carrier aims to strengthen air connectivity in the Eastern Region, boost seat capacity, and offer competitive travel options. The airline will operate both domestic and international routes, targeting 57 international and 24 domestic destinations by 2030. To achieve the goals of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, #GACA announces that «AirArabia Alliance» has won as the new low-cost national carrier at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, with the aim of enhancing air connectivity in the… — هيئة الطيران المدني (@ksagaca) July 20, 2025 The airline plans to carry up to 10 million passengers annually with a fleet of 45 aircraft, and is expected to create more than 2,400 job opportunities. Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, welcomed the move, stating the new airline will 'contribute to enhancing competition' and expand choices for travelers.
Gulf Insider
20-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE's Air Arabia To Co-Launch Saudi Low-Cost Airline Flying 81 Routes From Dammam Hub
Saudi Arabia is launching a new national low-cost airline, with operations based out of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, as part of a broader push to transform the Kingdom into a regional aviation hub. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that a consortium led by UAE-based Air Arabia, Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Holding, has won the bid to operate the new carrier. The airline will begin operations with a fleet of 45 aircraft, covering 24 domestic and 57 international destinations, and aims to serve 10 million passengers annually. This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia's National Transport and Logistics Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the Kingdom's competitiveness in transport, logistics, and tourism. According to GACA, the new low-cost airline will enhance air connectivity to and from the Eastern Province, improve operational efficiency, and boost seat availability at King Fahd International Airport. The airline is also expected to create more than 2,400 direct jobs and raise service quality across Saudi Arabia's growing aviation market. Air Arabia's inclusion in the consortium reflects its expanding regional footprint and aligns with its strategy of entering high-growth partnerships to serve underserved routes. This latest venture positions the Dammam airport as a growing hub for affordable air travel and supports the Kingdom's goal of moving 100 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.
