Saudi Arabia’s Newest Airline Just Picked Its First Foreign City

Air Arabia Dammam, the low-cost carrier that began flying out of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province in September, is launching its first international route next week. Starting November 19, the airline will operate five weekly nonstop flights between King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, according to IndexBox, citing TradeArabia. The route gives residents of Dammam, Khobar and the surrounding region a direct, budget-priced option to the Jordanian capital, a popular destination for both family visits and leisure trips.

The airline received its Air Operator Certificate from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation before starting operations in September. It flies Airbus A320 aircraft configured with a single economy cabin of 174 seats and follows the familiar Air Arabia low-cost model, where travelers pay for extras as they go. Onboard, passengers can use the SkyTime streaming service, buy food from the SkyCafe menu and earn points through the Air Rewards loyalty program shared across the Air Arabia group of airlines.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, called the Amman route a significant step in growing the Dammam operation. He said it offers Eastern Province travelers a convenient choice for business or leisure trips to Jordan, and that the airline intends to add more domestic and international destinations as demand develops. The launch fits a wider pattern of new and expanding airlines in Saudi Arabia, where aviation growth is a central part of the kingdom’s tourism ambitions.

For travelers, Amman is a practical jumping-off point for Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, so a direct flight from Dammam can shorten trips that previously required a connection. IndexBox did not publish fares or detailed schedules, so check Air Arabia’s website for timings and prices before planning around the new service. As with any low-cost carrier, compare the total price once bags and seat selection are added, since the base fare will rarely tell the whole story.

Sources: IndexBox