Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning to create a further two new airlines to complement existing carriers Saudia, Riyadh Air, flynas and flyadeal.
As part of its Vision 2030 project, the Saudi Arabian government have initiated multiple programs to drive the economy and build a more open and welcoming tourist destination.
The aviation industry has played a significant part in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to make the country more prosperous, and less reliant on oil revenues, with the launch of Riyadh Air’s commercial operations later this year among the blue-ribbon events.
According to Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI), at Cityscape Global real estate conference this month Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, revealed details of the latest plan during the event.
“They also say a successful national airline builds a destination, and they are yet to start. There is Riyadh Air, Saudia, and three more air carriers to be announced,” Hamidaddin reportedly said.
The first is understood to be a low-cost airline centered at King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam that has been previously announced.
In July 2025, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that a consortium led by UAE-based Air Arabia, together with Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Holding, had been selected to launch a new low-cost airline.
The airline will have a 45-strong fleet by 2030 and operate to 24 domestic destinations and 57 international airports.
“We are proud to have been selected by GACA to launch a new national low-cost airline headquartered in Dammam. As a leading low-cost operator in the region, this milestone reaffirms our commitment to supporting the growth and development of the Kingdom’s aviation sector,” said Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia.
Reports suggest the newly hinted second airline will be orientated towards religious tourism while there are no further details on the third.
At Dubai Airshow last week, Riyadh Air confirmed an order for 120 CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power 60 Airbus A321neo family aircraft that were ordered in 2024.
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