From January to June 2024, the Kingdom witnessed a 17 percent rise in passengers, reaching a record 62 million, and a 12 percent increase in flights, totaling 446,000. These figures surpass pre-pandemic levels, with Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) leading the surge, posting 38 percent growth on international routes and 22 percent on domestic routes.

 

Air cargo also saw unprecedented growth, increasing by 41 percent to 606,000 tons. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity expanded to 163 destinations, marking a 23 percent rise from 2023.

 

H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, GACA President, expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating: “The Kingdom’s continued growth in air traffic performance is a testament to the strategic vision reflected in the Saudi Aviation Strategy, positioning the Kingdom to lead in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is now more connected to the world than ever before, delivering record numbers of passengers, flights, air cargo, and connectivity during the first half of 2024.”

 

Mr. Al-Duailej highlighted the opportunities being created for global aviation and the private sector, citing the Aseer region as a prime example. Over 100 companies have shown interest in the Abha Airport Public-Private Partnership project, which aims to expand capacity from 1.5 million to 13 million passengers.

 

The impressive statistics were unveiled during the 13th Saudi Aviation Strategy Steering Committee meeting, held in the Aseer Province near Abha. The Committee reviewed the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s implementation, including the progress of the Abha Airport Public-Private Partnership and regional aviation performance.

 

In addition to these achievements, the Steering Committee highlighted several key accomplishments for the second quarter of 2024. These include the successful hosting of the 2024 Future Aviation Forum, the world’s first air taxi license granted by GACA during Hajj in Mecca, the first operational permit for drone-based building cleaning, and Saudi Arabia’s unanimous election to the Presidency of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization.

 

The meeting also saw the issuance of a new economic license to the Ground Service Company for Travel and Tourism Services, which will begin travel agency operations in the Kingdom.

 

With these advancements, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is not only driving economic growth and tourism but also setting new benchmarks for global aviation excellence.