The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej declared that Air Arabia, Kan Investment Holding, and Nesma Group had formed a successful airline alliance to establish a new national low-cost carrier. It will use King Fahd International Airport in Dammam as its base.
Speaking at the Dammam Airports ceremony on Sunday, July 20, 2025, he stated that the award was the outcome of a thorough and meticulous evaluation of all submitted bids to ensure the best offer was chosen. This would help to improve air connectivity and accomplish the goals of the aviation programme while satisfying regional needs.
Moreover, he went on to say that the new low-cost airline will enhance air connectivity in the Kingdom by offering passengers more options, with flights to 24 domestic and 57 international destinations. By 2030, it will likely carry 10 million passengers a year to and from Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport.
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Economic Growth & the Aviation Programme’s Role
Along with supporting the GDP in line with the goals of the Aviation Programme, which comes from the National Logistics and Transportation Strategy. Additionally, it will help Dammam and the Eastern Province’s economy and tourism grow by creating over 2,400 direct jobs.
This accomplishment demonstrates the Authority’s dedication to accomplishing the goals of the aviation industry. He pointed out that King Fahd International Airport set new records in 2024, handling 12.8 million passengers on 105,000 flights, a 35% increase over 2022, and a more than 160% increase in air cargo. Besides, the airport has won 13 regional and international awards and certificates between 2024 and mid-2025, and Skytrax ranked it as the second-best regional airport in the Middle East globally.
By providing access to more than 62 domestic and international destinations via 51 airlines—42 of which are passenger airlines and 9 of which are cargo airlines—GACA, in collaboration with the public and private sectors, has successfully improved air connectivity in the Eastern Province by 2024. In November of next year, King Fahd International Airport will begin offering direct flights to London Heathrow Airport.
As the General Authority of Civil Aviation reaffirms its dedication to working with domestic and international airlines to expand air connectivity and open new destinations, this fulfils the desires of tourists and supports the Eastern Province’s tourism and economic growth. In this context, the Authority facilitated several laws and procedures that enabled Dammam Airports Company to undertake a project to create a general aviation-designated space, which included an aircraft hangar and a lounge.
The airline plans to provide a comprehensive operating environment that meets the needs of general aviation users while adhering to international regulations, starting operations in Q1, 2026.
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