Air Arabia to launch Saudi venture Air Arabia DMM from King Fahd Airport in Q3 2026
Budget carrier and investment partners granted rights last year to establish operator in Dammam. Middle Eastern budget carrier Air Arabia is expecting to commence operations with its new Saudi Arabian venture in the third quarter of this year. Air Arabia is a 49% shareholder in a joint venture, Air Arabia DMM, which was granted rights last year to establish a Saudi airline and operate from Dammam's King Fahd airport. The carrier subsequently embarked on a recruitment drive for Airbus A320-family pilots for the planned operation. In its half-year financial statement, for the six months to 30 June, Air Arabia says its "latest hub in Dammam is expected to start operations [in quarter three] this year". Air Arabia and its partners in the venture have previously indicated plans to build a fleet of 45 aircraft and serve over 80 routes. At least two initial aircraft – registered HZ-DMMA and -DMMB – have already arrived at Dammam, photographs circulating on social media indicate. Air Arabia stayed profitable over the first six months, even though its net figure halved to Dhs374 million ($102 million) after falling by 77% to Dhs96 million in the second quarter. It attributes the weaker performance to the Middle East conflict, and effects such as the related airspace closures, operating restrictions, and high fuel prices. But it states that its average load factor of more than 80% illustrates "continued resilience in demand" across its network. "Throughout this period, we remained focused on maintaining network connectivity, adapting our operations to rapidly evolving circumstances, and exercising disciplined cost management while preserving operational efficiency," says chair Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Thani. Air Arabia introduced another six aircraft to its all-Airbus fleet, bringing the total to 96 – including 10 A320neo and six A321neo jets. Sixty of these are based in Sharjah, with 12 in Abu Dhabi, 10 in Morocco, and the remaining 14 across Egypt, Pakistan and Ras Al Khaimah.