Saudi Arabia's Air Travel Witnesses Significant Growth In First Half Of 2024: GACA Report

Saudi Arabia had registered significant growth in the number of passengers and flights between January-June 2024. As per the air-traffic statistics released by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia's passenger numbers grew 17%, reaching approximately 62 million passengers in the first half of this year. 

The statistics released by GACA also mentioned that the number of flights also reached approximately 446,000, marking a 12% surge compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the airfreight volume marked a 41% increase during this period, reaching 606,000 tons. According to Saudi Press Agency report, GACA has unveiled various development projects during the first half of 2024. This includes the inauguration of the development and expansion of Al-Ahsa International Airport as well as the development and expansion of Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. The Kingdom also witnessed the introduction of the self-driving air taxi experience for the first time during the Hajj season.

Moreover, 16 Saudi airports obtained the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) accreditation for 2024. Also, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport has been named the Best Regional Airport in the Middle East for 2024 at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It is worth mentioning that the National Strategy for the Civil Aviation Sector aims to make the aviation sector in the country the first in the Middle East by reaching 330 million passengers and establishing air connectivity to reach 250 destinations to and from Saudi airports by 2030.