Air Arabia KSA commenced scheduled operations on 20 September 2026 from King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, with the Dammam–Jeddah corridor among its three inaugural domestic routes. The service runs twice daily on Airbus A320 aircraft, giving residents of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province a new low-cost option to reach Jeddah without connecting through a hub.
The carrier is operated by a consortium comprising Air Arabia Group, Nesma Group, and KUN Holding Company, with majority Saudi ownership. Its Air Operating Certificate was issued by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) on 14 September 2026, clearing the way for commercial launch six days later, according to the Air Arabia press release. The airline also simultaneously launched daily Dammam–Madinah and twice-daily Dammam–Riyadh flights.
The launch supports Saudi Vision 2030's Aviation Program, which targets 330 million annual passengers and aims to triple Saudi airport capacity. Air Arabia KSA enters the Dammam–Jeddah corridor alongside national carrier Saudia and budget operator flyadeal. The airline has stated its intention to expand into international destinations beyond its initial domestic network.
Schedule data published by AeroRoutes on 18 September 2026 shows bookings available from 21 September. Arabian Business separately confirmed the 20 September launch date and all three inaugural destinations.
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