GACA Reports 17% Surge in Air Travel in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced a 17 percent increase in passenger traffic during the first half of 2024, with approximately 62 million travelers passing through the Kingdom’s airports, compared to 53 million in the same period last year. The figures, released via the Saudi Press Agency, underscore the rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s aviation sector as it advances toward the goals of the National Strategy for the Civil Aviation Sector and Saudi Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The growth in passenger numbers is complemented by a 12 percent rise in flights, reaching approximately 446,000 during the first six months of 2024, up from 399,000 in the first half of 2023. Airfreight volume also surged by 41 percent, hitting 606,000 tons compared to 430,000 tons the previous year. These gains reflect the sustained impact of strategic investments and regulatory reforms implemented by GACA under the National Strategy for the Civil Aviation Sector, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading aviation hub in the Middle East.

Key Details

During the first half of 2024, GACA launched several major infrastructure projects and innovative initiatives. These include the development and expansion of Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the inauguration of the expansion of Al-Ahsa International Airport, and the opening of a new additional international departure terminal at Taif International Airport. Notably, the authority introduced a self-driving air taxi experience for the first time during the Hajj season and granted the first operating permit for building cleaning using drones, demonstrating its commitment to enabling safe and innovative advanced air mobility solutions.

Furthermore, GACA launched a knowledge-testing center for aviation personnel and the first phase of electronic gates at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. These steps aim to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience across the Kingdom’s airports.

In terms of service quality, GACA received two gold awards for Best Customer Service and Best Public Service Center in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. It also earned the Consumer Protection Association award for excellence in protecting passengers’ rights and a certificate in the quality management system for monitoring flight safety and environmental sustainability.

The aviation sector’s achievements extend to airport and airline recognitions. Sixteen Saudi airports obtained the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) accreditation for 2024. In the Skytrax World Airport Awards held in Frankfurt, Germany, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah won first place as the best regional airport in the Middle East. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah achieved the highest ratings on the ACI list for 2023, while King Fahd International Airport in Dammam won three Saudi Airports Awards for 2023: best airport in the 5-15 million passengers category, best customs inspection area, and best services for people with disabilities.

SAUDIA was recognized as the most advanced airline in the world and for having the best economy-class catering for 2024 in the Skytrax global ranking. Flynas was crowned the fourth-best low-cost airline in the world for the second consecutive year and the first in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year, according to Skytrax.

Implications and Impact

The robust growth in passenger and flight numbers, coupled with the expansion of airfreight capacity, signals the Kingdom’s rising prominence as a global aviation and logistics hub. The recognition from international bodies such as ACI and Skytrax enhances Saudi Arabia’s reputation for service excellence, attracting more airlines and passengers. These developments are expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and investment, contributing to economic diversification and job creation in line with Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 Alignment

All these achievements are part of the initiatives and programs launched by GACA to develop the air transport industry locally, regionally, and internationally. The National Strategy for the Civil Aviation Sector aims to make the Kingdom’s aviation sector 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 250 destinations by 2030. Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Kingdom continues to advance its strategic vision, strengthening its role as a global leader in aviation and a bridge between continents.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the percentage increase in passenger numbers in the first half of 2024?

A1. GACA reported a 17% increase in passenger numbers, reaching approximately 62 million compared to 53 million in the same period of 2023.

Q2. How many flights were recorded in the first half of 2024?

A2. The number of flights reached approximately 446,000, marking a 12% increase compared to 399,000 flights in the first half of 2023.

Q3. What was the airfreight volume in the first six months of 2024?

A3. Airfreight volume rose by 41% to 606,000 tons, up from 430,000 tons in the same period of 2023, reflecting expanded logistics capacity.

Q4. Which airport expansion projects were launched by GACA in early 2024?

A4. GACA launched the development and expansion of Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the inauguration of Al-Ahsa International Airport expansion, and a new international departure terminal at Taif International Airport.

Q5. What innovative air mobility experience was introduced during the Hajj season?

A5. A self-driving air taxi experience was introduced for the first time during the Hajj season, showcasing GACA’s commitment to advanced air mobility.

Q6. What permit did GACA grant regarding drones?

A6. GACA granted the first operating permit for building cleaning using drones, illustrating its support for safe and innovative drone applications.

Q7. What new facility was launched at King Khalid International Airport?

A7. The first phase of electronic gates was launched at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to streamline passenger processing and enhance efficiency.

Q8. What awards did GACA win for service quality?

A8. GACA won two gold awards for Best Customer Service and Best Public Service Center in the EMEA region, plus the Consumer Protection Association award for excellence in protecting passengers’ rights.

Q9. How many Saudi airports received ACI ASQ accreditation for 2024?

A9. Sixteen Saudi airports obtained the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) accreditation for 2024, recognizing their high service standards.

Q10. Which Saudi airport was named the best regional airport in the Middle East?

A10. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah won first place as the best regional airport in the Middle East at the Skytrax World Airport Awards in Frankfurt, Germany.

Q11. What recognition did King Abdulaziz International Airport receive?

A11. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah achieved the highest ratings on the Airports Council International list for 2023, highlighting its operational excellence.

Q12. What awards did King Fahd International Airport win?

A12. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam won three Saudi Airports Awards for 2023: best airport in the 5-15 million passengers category, best customs inspection area, and best services for people with disabilities.

Q13. What global recognition did SAUDIA receive from Skytrax?

A13. SAUDIA was recognized as the most advanced airline in the world and for having the best economy-class catering for 2024 in the Skytrax global ranking.

Q14. How was Flynas ranked by Skytrax?

A14. Flynas was crowned the fourth-best low-cost airline in the world for the second consecutive year and the first in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year.

Q15. What is the National Strategy for the Civil Aviation Sector aiming to achieve by 2030?

A15. The strategy aims to make the Kingdom’s aviation sector the first in the Middle East, targeting 330 million passengers, 4.5 million tons of air freight capacity, and 250 destinations by 2030.

Q16. How does the growth in air travel contribute to Vision 2030?

A16. The growth supports economic diversification, boosts tourism and trade, creates jobs, and enhances Saudi Arabia’s global connectivity, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives.

Q17. What quality management certificate did GACA receive?

A17. GACA received a certificate in the quality management system for monitoring flight safety and environmental sustainability.

Q18. What is the significance of the air taxi experience during Hajj?

A18. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s leadership in adopting advanced air mobility solutions, improving pilgrim transportation and showcasing innovation in aviation.

Q19. How do the airport awards impact Saudi Arabia’s aviation reputation?

A19. The awards enhance the Kingdom’s reputation for service excellence, attracting more airlines and passengers, and reinforcing its position as a global aviation hub.

Q20. What role does GACA play in developing the aviation sector?

A20. GACA regulates and develops the sector through infrastructure projects, quality initiatives, and strategic programs that align with the National Strategy for Civil Aviation and Vision 2030.

---