Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is soaring, reaching record-breaking milestones in passenger traffic, flight operations, and cargo movement. The industry witnessed a remarkable surge in 2024, driven by the rapid expansion of major airlines. With 128 million passengers traveling through the kingdom’s airports, the sector saw a 15% rise from the previous year and a 25% jump compared to pre-pandemic figures. This growth cements Saudi Arabia’s position as a global aviation powerhouse.
The country’s key airlines continue to drive this momentum. Saudia expanded its global reach, strengthening connections across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Flynas saw significant growth in regional and international routes, while Flyadeal made budget travel more accessible. Meanwhile, Riyadh Air is preparing for its much-anticipated launch in 2025, which will further elevate Saudi Arabia’s status in the global aviation market.
The number of flights surged in 2024, recording 905,000 operations, an 11% increase from the previous year. Domestic and international routes flourished, linking Saudi Arabia to more than 170 global destinations. This expansion aligns perfectly with the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, aimed at transforming it into a world-class travel hub.
Cargo transport also hit new heights, exceeding 1.2 million tons, marking a 34% increase. The major airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam handled the majority of this freight, reinforcing their role as essential logistics centers. The aviation sector’s efficiency shined during the 2024 Hajj season when 1.5 million pilgrims arrived by air.
Saudi Arabia is setting new benchmarks in air travel, with its busiest domestic and international routes ranking among the world’s most in-demand. As Riyadh Air prepares for its launch, the kingdom’s aviation sector is on a trajectory for even greater success. The skies have never been busier, and the future looks brighter than ever.
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