After Certification: New Airline Launches Domestic Network in Saudi Arabia

Air Arabia Alliance has begun operating flights from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, launching its new domestic network in Saudi Arabia with services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina.

Riyadh. Photo: Aaisha Muhammad / Shutterstock.com

The carrier operated its inaugural flight to Riyadh yesterday, marking the start of its operations from Dammam. Officials, partners, guests and media representatives attended a ceremony at King Fahd International Airport before departure. A second ceremony took place after the aircraft arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The airline currently operates two daily direct flights from Dammam to Riyadh and two daily flights to Jeddah. It also operates one daily direct service to Medina.

Jeddah. Photo: Shutterstock

Adel Al Ali, CEO of Air Arabia Group, said the launch marked an important step for the group and would support growing demand for air travel in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

“We are pleased to begin our operations with three main domestic destinations, and to continue to gradually expand our network of destinations and services during the next phase,” Al Ali said.

Air Arabia Alliance was selected in July 2025 following a competition announced by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. The alliance consists of Air Arabia Group, Nesma Group and Kan Holding.

Air Arabia. Photo: Air Arabia

The new airline received its Air Operator Certificate from the General Authority of Civil Aviation last week, clearing the way for commercial operations from its Dammam base.

The AOC was issued after the carrier completed the required regulatory, safety, security and operational requirements under Saudi civil aviation regulations.

Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassani, CEO of Dammam Airports, said the launch would expand travel options from the Eastern Province and strengthen King Fahd International Airport’s role as an aviation gateway.

The airline is adopting the business model used by Air Arabia Group, focusing on low-cost air travel with Airbus A320 aircraft.

The aircraft will be configured with 174 seats in a single-class layout, with the airline highlighting additional legroom as part of its onboard offering.

The launch adds another domestic airline operation to Saudi Arabia’s expanding aviation market, with Air Arabia Alliance expected to gradually add destinations and services from Dammam.

For now, the carrier’s network connects Dammam with three of the kingdom’s key cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina.