Air Arabia consortium secures AOC ahead of Saudi low-cost carrier launch
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted an Air Arabia consortium an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) ahead of its low-cost carrier launch in Saudi Arabia.
On September 14, 2026, the Saudi Arabian government said that the license establishes a new national low-cost carrier based at King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam.
The consortium led by UAE-based Air Arabia, along with Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Holding successfully completed of “all technical, safety, and regulatory compliance requirements in accordance with the implementing regulations of the Civil Aviation Law”.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and GACA Board of Directors Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser and GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duaile presented the AOC to the consortium during a signing ceremony.
Saudi Press AgencyGACA Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Almuhaimedi said that the Dammam launch will “enhance market competition and stimulate economic and tourism activity in Eastern Region while creating new local employment opportunities”.
Almuhaimedi added that the “step reflects GACA’s regulatory role in fostering an attractive investment environment for the air transport industry”.
In July 2025, GACA announce the Air Arabia consortium had won the bidding process to establish and operate a new national low-cost airline. The carrier has a majority Saudi ownership.
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, currently serves more than 170 routes from hubs in Sharjah, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan.
According to Planespotters.net, across the entire Air Arabia Group, the company operates an all-Airbus fleet of 97 aircraft. These include 76 A320-200s, 12 A320neos, three A321-200s and six A321neos.
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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted an Air Arabia consortium an Air Operator Certificate (AOC)…
The post Air Arabia consortium secures AOC ahead of Saudi low-cost carrier launch appeared first on AeroTime.
