Dammam Set to Become a Tourism Gateway as New Saudi Low-Cost Airline Nears Launch

Published on December 17, 2025

In a significant step to boost both domestic and international tourism, Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch a new low-cost airline based in Dammam. This move is set to redefine air travel access, connecting the Eastern Province with more destinations both within the Kingdom and beyond, thereby supporting the Kingdom’s tourism goals under its Vision 2030 initiative. The airline, backed by the Air Arabia Consortium, includes Nesma Group and KUN Holding, and will be headquartered at King Fahd International Airport (DMM), one of the largest airports by land area globally.

This new carrier is poised to enhance tourism in Saudi Arabia by improving air travel accessibility, creating an affordable pathway for international visitors and business travellers alike. The project aligns with the government’s ambitious plans to transform the tourism sector, especially in regions that have historically been underrepresented in the global tourism landscape.

The airline is expected to serve 24 domestic destinations within Saudi Arabia and 57 international routes, significantly increasing the number of tourists visiting the Kingdom. With this expanded route network, travellers will have easy access to key cultural, historical, and leisure destinations, including **the world-renowned Taj Mahal, the ancient city of Petra, and new luxury developments in Riyadh and Jeddah.

This new airline is part of a larger strategy to boost tourism through better connectivity. The Kingdom has ambitious goals to diversify its economy beyond oil by focusing on sectors like tourism, transportation, and logistics. Tourism is a critical pillar in Vision 2030, which aims to increase the number of international visitors to Saudi Arabia and make it a leading global destination.

With its newly expanded connectivity, Saudi Arabia hopes to attract more international tourists from high-demand markets, including South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Dammam, strategically located on the Persian Gulf, offers rich cultural and leisure attractions that are now much easier to access. From the beautiful beaches of the Eastern Province to the historic sites in Dammam, the area is poised to become a more prominent tourist hotspot. The Eastern Province is also home to key industries and trade routes, making it a key destination for business tourism.

As part of the government’s broader aviation strategy, the new airline’s launch is expected to create substantial economic benefits. In particular, it will generate around 2,400 direct jobs in aviation, tourism, and hospitality sectors. These new opportunities will stimulate the local economy, fostering the growth of small businesses and tourist attractions. The presence of the airline is expected to directly impact the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, and transport services, all of which stand to benefit from a surge in travel demand.

Importantly, the airline will also support the growth of domestic tourism, encouraging Saudis to explore the rich heritage and culture of their own country. The availability of affordable domestic flights will allow more residents to visit nearby historical cities like Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, boosting local tourism revenues and deepening cultural connections.

Furthermore, the airline is part of a broader commitment to enhance visitor experience in Saudi Arabia. This is in line with Saudi’s goal of improving infrastructure, offering world-class facilities, and ensuring that tourists have access to convenient and reliable transportation. As international flight options expand, Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape is set to evolve, giving rise to new cultural exchanges, more tourism-related events, and greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Travel experts believe that affordable airfares will also increase the country’s ability to attract event tourism. With more flights connecting major cities across the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia will be better equipped to host international conferences, festivals, sporting events, and religious pilgrimages. These events are expected to draw tourists year-round, adding to the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a major international tourism hub.

Looking ahead, the airline’s impact will not be confined to tourism alone. By offering affordable travel options, it will also provide a boost to business tourism. With improved connectivity to international business capitals, the airline is expected to encourage investment, innovation, and collaboration between Saudi Arabia and other global markets.

Set to begin operations in 2026, the new low-cost airline will be a game-changer in Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. By making travel to the Kingdom more affordable and accessible, it promises to accelerate the growth of a vibrant tourism sector, bringing with it opportunities for new business ventures, enhanced cultural exchange, and a thriving hospitality industry. As the airline prepares to take off, Dammam and the Eastern Province are ready to emerge as the next great tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia.