Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Sector Soars to New Heights in 2024
In a remarkable display of growth and progress, Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector witnessed a staggering 17 percent surge in passenger numbers, reaching a total of 62 million in the first half of 2024. This surge comes amidst a rising demand for both domestic and international travel.
Record-breaking Figures
Official statements from the General Authority of Civil Aviation revealed that the period also saw a total of 446,000 flights, representing a significant 12 percent increase compared to the figures from 2023. Additionally, air cargo traffic through the Kingdom’s airports experienced a remarkable 41 percent increase, reaching 606,000 tonnes during the same period.
Kingdom’s Aviation Goals
These achievements are in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aviation goals, which include tripling annual passenger numbers to 330 million, expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations from its 29 airports, and increasing air freight capacity to 4.5 million tonnes of cargo per year by 2030.
Key Players in the Growth Trajectory
King Khalid International Airport led the growth trajectory with 17.7 million passengers, marking a remarkable 21 percent increase year-on-year, along with 132,000 flights, up by 15 percent from the previous year. Similarly, King Abdulaziz International Airport recorded a 16 percent rise in passengers to 24 million and 148,000 flights, indicating a 13 percent increase.
Furthermore, King Fahad International Airport saw 6 million passengers in the first half, with a 15 percent year-on-year growth rate. The airport also handled 45,000 flights during the same period, reflecting a 15 percent growth rate compared to the first six months of 2023. The Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport recorded 5.6 million passengers in the first half of the year, reflecting a 20 percent rise compared to the corresponding period in 2023. The airport handled 39,000 flights during this period, up 22 percent from a year earlier.
Overall Sector Performance
In addition to the key players, the Kingdom’s other airports combined recorded a total of 8.8 million passengers in the first six months, reflecting a 16 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. The number of flights at these airports totaled 83,000, up 11 percent from the same timeframe in 2023.
Strategic Advancements and Achievements
The 13th meeting of the Aviation Sector Strategy Activation Steering Committee, chaired by the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, discussed recent advancements in strategy implementation and highlighted the sector’s record-breaking achievements and unprecedented milestones in the first half of 2024.