Saudi Arabia plans to launch three new national airlines to support the country’s tourism projects and its plans to attract more than 150 million annual visitors by the end of 2030.
The country currently has four airlines – flag carrier Saudia, the recently launched Riyadh Air which will open to the wider public next year, low-cost carrier Flyadeal and budget carrier Flynas.
According to Business Traveller, one of the new airlines will be a budget carrier based in Dammam. The airline is expected to have a fleet of 45 aircraft and fly to 24 domestic and 57 international destinations by 2030 from King Fahd International Airport.
It will be a joint venture between UAE low-cost carrier Air Arabia, the Saudi conglomerate Nesma Group, and Jeddah-based KUN Investment Holding.
The second airline will be a discount carrier based in Medina for religious tourism. Tenders for the airline are expected to be issued within the next couple of months.
There are currently no details about the third new carrier.
