Dammam: The consortium comprising national low-cost carrier Air Arabia announced Tuesday that it will begin operating flights from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam next week. The launch follows the consortium's receipt of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The consortium said its first flight from Eastern Region will depart for Riyadh on Sunday, September 20.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Dammam Airports CEO Mohammed Al-Hassany stated that the consortium's operations from King Fahd International Airport will serve multiple destinations. Al-Hassany emphasized that the launch of the carrier's operations from Dammam, its operational base, reflects the airport's growing prominence and its partners' confidence in its operational capabilities. He added that the launch represents an important addition to Eastern Region's air transport network.

Saudi Arabia's civil aviation sector is witnessing major initiatives that have supported air traffic growth and expanded the network of destinations, Al-Hassany said. He emphasized that Dammam Airports is entering a new phase of growth and stronger air connectivity while continuing to improve the travel experience and expand travel options for passengers from Eastern Region to destinations worldwide.

These efforts support the objectives of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, he added.