Saudi aviation realized significant growth in the number of passengers and flights during the first half of 2024.
GACA Press Release – July 11, 2024: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released air-traffic statistics showing significant growth in the number of passengers and flights during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The number of passengers was up 17% at 62 million passengers compared to 53 million during the same period in 2023.
Number of flights was up 12% at 399,000.
Airfreight volume was up 41% at 606,000 tons compared to 430,000 tons during the first half of 2023.
What were some of the catalysts?
The Kingdom’s aviation and tourism strategy has supercharged investment in the infrastructure needed to realize it’s ambitions. GACA has launched multiple initiatives and programs to contribute to the development of the air transport industry locally, regionally, and internationally, in line with the National Strategy for the Civil Aviation Sector. The strategy aims to make the aviation sector in the Kingdom the first in the Middle East by reaching 330 million passengers, increasing air freight capacity to 4.5 million tons, and raising air connectivity to reach 250 destinations to and from Saudi airports by 2030.
Underpinning these targets are various initiatives some of which have been launched or introduced in the last six months.
Capacity building and modernizing initiatives
- development and expansion of Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport
- inauguration of the development and expansion of Al-Ahsa International Airport
- launch of the new additional international departure terminal at Taif International Airport
- launch of the self-driving air taxi experience during the 2024 Hajj season.
- grant of the first operating permit for building cleaning using drones
- establishment of a knowledge-testing center for aviation personnel
- introductory phase of electronic gates at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Awards
GACA won two gold awards for Best Customer Service and Best Public Service Center in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, the Consumer Protection Association award for excellence in protecting passengers’ rights, and the certificate in the quality management system for monitoring flight safety and environmental sustainability.
Achievements | Airports
- 16 Saudi airports have obtained the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) accreditation for 2024.
- Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah) was awarded best regional airport in the Middle East at the Skytrax World Airport Awards ceremony (Germany, 2023
- Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport gained top ranking at the ACI’s list for 2023.
- King Fahd International Airport (Dammam) won three Saudi Airports Awards for 2023: best airport in the category 5-15 million passengers; best customs inspection area, best services for people with disabilities.
Achievements | Airlines
- SAUDIA achieved top ranking in the Skytrax global ranking (2024) for the world’s most advanced airline and for the best economy-class catering.
- Flynas ranked at number four in the global stakes for best low-cost airline in the world for the second consecutive year and the first in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year.
GACA is responsible for the efficient and safe execution of these transformative initiatives. It has established the regulatory framework needed to maintain safety and quality standards and provides strategic guidance to drive growth and innovation.
