The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has released statistics showing significant growth in passenger numbers and flights for the first half of 2024. Passenger traffic increased by 17%, reaching 62 million, up from 53 million in the same period last year. Flights rose by 12% to 446,000, compared to 399,000 flights previously.
Several development projects were launched, including the expansion of Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, development at Al-Ahsa International Airport, and a new terminal at Taif International Airport. A self-driving air taxi was introduced during Hajj, and the first drone-based building cleaning permit was granted. GACA also opened a knowledge-testing centre for aviation personnel and electronic gates at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
GACA received awards for Best Customer Service and Best Public Service Centre in the EMEA region. They also won the Consumer Protection Association award and a quality management system certificate for flight safety and sustainability. Sixteen Saudi airports earned Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality accreditation for 2024. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah was named the best regional airport in the Middle East, and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah received top ratings from ACI. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam won three Saudi Airports Awards.
Saudia and Flynas were also recognised. Saudia was named the world’s most advanced airline and won the best economy-class catering award in 2024 by Skytrax. Flynas ranked as the fourth-best low-cost airline globally for the second consecutive year and the best in the Middle East for the seventh consecutive year.
These achievements align with GACA’s initiatives under the National Strategy for the Civil Aviation Sector, which aims to make Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector the leading one in the Middle East. The strategy targets 330 million passengers, 4.5 million tonnes of air freight capacity, and 250 destinations by 2030.
Saudia transports more than 9 million international travellers in first half: 24% growth
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, carried 16.3 million guests on both domestic and international routes in H1, marking a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was supported by the operation of over 94,300 flights, including scheduled and additional services, representing an 11% increase. Additionally, Saudia recorded 287,200 flight hours, with an 11% rise compared to last year, while maintaining an exceptional on-time performance rate of 89.3%.
Major hike in international passenger numbers
In international operations, Saudia transported over 9.1 million guests, reflecting a 24% increase from the previous year, and conducted 42,000 flights, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The airline’s international fleet logged 199,000 flight hours, marking a 12% growth. Domestically, Saudia served more than 7.2 million guests, a 14% increase, with over 52,300 flights operated, recording a 10% rise. Domestic flight hours also grew by 9%, reaching 88,000 hours.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, stated: “In the first half of 2024, we successfully executed both our Summer and Hajj season plans. I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all Saudia employees for their unwavering dedication, operational excellence, and exemplary on-time performance, which have greatly contributed to increased guest satisfaction.”
Saudi Arabia wins presidency of ACAO Executive Council
Meanwhile, last week, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unanimously won the presidency of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), during the 28th Ordinary General Assembly meeting in Rabat, Morocco. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, stated that this victory reflects the Kingdom’s high status in international and regional organizations and its significant role in civil aviation.
Al-Jasser expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their support of the civil aviation sector. He emphasized the importance of enhancing joint Arab efforts in the air transport industry to achieve the highest safety standards.
As a founding member of ACAO, Saudi Arabia has consistently supported the organization’s goals and participated in its executive council and technical committees. The Kingdom hosts the regional headquarters for safety oversight and the cooperative aviation security program for Middle Eastern countries. It also supports the International Civil Aviation Organization’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative with $1 million.
Al-Jasser affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to developing and supporting ACAO and enhancing its international role, while cooperating with Arab and international partners to promote the aviation industry.
Saudi Arabia, one of the founders of ACAO, established in 1996 and affiliated with the Arab League, aims to enhance cooperation among Arab countries in civil aviation development.
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