In a bold move aimed at transforming its aviation landscape and supporting its ambitious Vision 2030 goals, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the establishment of a new low-cost airline, headquartered in Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Province. The carrier, designed to make air travel more accessible and affordable, is expected to operate across 24 domestic and 57 international destinations within the next five years.
The announcement marks another major step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing strategy to diversify its economy away from oil by investing heavily in tourism, logistics, and air transport infrastructure. The new airline will focus on boosting connectivity within the Kingdom, linking smaller cities and underserved regions, while also opening up more international routes across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe.
Authorities disclosed that the airline will serve as a key component of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global aviation hub. The airline’s operations will be supported by modern fleet acquisitions and competitive fare structures targeted at price-conscious travelers, including pilgrims, tourists, business professionals, and citizens.
Analysts say the introduction of this carrier could significantly ease the cost of air travel within Saudi Arabia while stimulating regional economic activity. With Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport serving as its base, the airline is strategically positioned to tap into growing travel demand from nearby Gulf countries and Asian markets.
This development also aligns with the Kingdom’s wider plan to attract over 100 million visitors annually by 2030, create thousands of new jobs in the aviation and tourism sectors, and enhance ease of movement for both residents and international guests.
The unnamed airline joins a growing list of Saudi-backed aviation initiatives, including the recently launched Riyadh Air and the expansion of Saudia, as the country seeks to compete with major regional carriers and strengthen its position in the global air transport arena.
With preparations already underway, industry watchers are closely monitoring how this low-cost entrant will impact pricing, competition, and connectivity in the region’s fast-evolving aviation market.
