Jazeera Airways Expands Operations to Dammam in Saudi Arabia as Part of Dual-Airport Strategy

Kuwait's low-cost carrier, Jazeera Airways, has announced a significant expansion of its operations into Saudi Arabia by adding King Fahd International Airport in Dammam to its existing base at Qaisumah Airport. This move is part of a broader "dual-airport strategy" aimed at enhancing connectivity under Project Baraka, an initiative to facilitate passenger and cargo transport amidst regional conflicts. Since initiating evacuation flights to Cairo earlier in March, Jazeera Airways has transported over 13,000 passengers, with projections to exceed 200,000 by April end. The airline underscores its unique position as the sole direct connection between Kuwait and several countries, including Egypt, India, and the UAE, with intentions to expand to more than 20 destinations. CEO Barathan Pasupathi emphasized that beyond airline operations, the company's purpose is to build nationwide connectivity during extraordinary times. The airline has also introduced an "air-to-land" model via Qaisumah, allowing continuous movement despite disruptions. To ensure reliable service, the airline has prioritized infrastructure and procedural adjustments, although operations remain complex. Passengers currently need to arrive up to nine hours early for processing including visas and biometric checks. All flights from both airports continue to operate from the temporary terminal at Kuwait International Fairgrounds. Jazeera Airways maintains a fleet of 23 aircraft and anticipates adding 26 more starting in October 2026 as part of its growth plan.