Company announcementBrief
Air Arabia consortium receives Saudi AOC for Dammam carrier
Certificate issued by General Authority of Civil Aviation clears launch of low-cost airline targeting 10 million annual passengers by 2030.
An Air Arabia-led consortium received an Air Operator Certificate from Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation on 14 September 2026, clearing the launch of a low-cost carrier based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The certificate is the regulatory approval required to commence commercial operations. The airline will operate as a national budget carrier from the Eastern Province airport.
Network scope and passenger target#
The carrier plans to serve 24 domestic destinations and 57 international destinations. The consortium projects annual passenger throughput of approximately 10 million by 2030. No launch date or initial route schedule was disclosed in the certificate announcement. The domestic network will cover 24 cities within Saudi Arabia, while the international network spans 57 destinations across multiple regions. The passenger target of 10 million annually by 2030 represents the carrier's projected scale four years from the certificate date.
Employment and operational base#
The airline is expected to create more than 2,400 direct jobs. Operations will be based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, located in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The carrier is structured as a low-cost operator. The 2,400 direct jobs figure covers operational, technical and administrative roles required to support the planned network. King Fahd International Airport serves as the home base for the new carrier's fleet and crew operations.
Consortium structure and certification process#
Air Arabia leads the consortium holding the certificate. The General Authority of Civil Aviation issued the approval under its air operator certification process. No fleet size, aircraft type or initial capital commitment was stated in the announcement. The certificate permits the consortium to proceed with operational preparations ahead of commercial launch. The Air Operator Certificate is the final regulatory clearance required before an airline can begin scheduled passenger services in Saudi Arabia.
Sources1 source across 1 domain
- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej TimesAir Operator Certificate issued 14 September 2026, 24 domestic and 57 international destinations planned, 10 million annual passengers by 2030, 2,400 direct jobs expected, based at King Fahd International Airport Dammam
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