Air Arabia joint venture to head new Saudi low-cost airline: UAE-based budget carrier Air Arabia will launch a new budget carrier in Saudi Arabia as part of a consortium, after receiving a license from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), GACA said in a statement on X. Jeddah-based Kun Investment and Saudi’s Nesma Holding are also in the consortium. Neither the investment figure nor a timeline for the launch were disclosed.

What we know: The new carrier is set to operate domestic and international flights from Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport (DMM). It aims to add 45 aircraft to its fleet and serve 24 domestic and 57 international destinations by 2030. It aims to transport up to 10 mn passengers annually by the end of the decade as well generate nearly 2.4k direct jobs. The move looks to bolster air connectivity and accessibility for the Kingdom’s Eastern region.

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