In 2023, Saudi Arabia experienced a notable surge in its air traffic, marking a significant milestone for the Kingdom's aviation sector.
According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the country transported a record-breaking 112 million passengers, showcasing a remarkable 26 percent increase compared to the previous year. This achievement not only surpassed pre-pandemic levels from 2019 but also demonstrated a robust recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The comprehensive report released by GACA highlights the impressive growth in flight activity across Saudi Arabia. Throughout the year, the Kingdom's airports facilitated approximately 815,000 flight movements, indicating a substantial 16 percent rise compared to the previous year. International travel, in particular, witnessed a surge, with passenger numbers soaring to approximately 61 million and flight movements surpassing 394,000.
Among the nation's airports, King Abdulaziz International Airport emerged as the busiest, handling an average of 30 flights per hour. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport closely followed with a rate of 27 flights per hour, while King Fahd International Airport secured the third position with 11 flights per hour. This increased activity underscores the growing prominence of Saudi Arabia as a regional aviation hub.
In addition, there were encouraging developments in internal travel inside the Kingdom. Out of more than 421,000 domestic flights that departed from different airports throughout Saudi Arabia, the number of passengers traveling on domestic routes surpassed 51 million. Economic activity and social cohesiveness are both greatly aided by this internal connectedness.
In addition to passenger travel, air cargo transportation also experienced steady growth, with a modest but consistent increase of over 7 percent in 2023. The total volume of air cargo exceeded 918,000 tons, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of Saudi Arabia's logistics sector in meeting the evolving demands of global trade.
The robust performance of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector in 2023 signifies a promising outlook for the country's economy and its integration into the global air transportation network. As the Kingdom continues to invest in modern infrastructure and enhance regulatory frameworks, it is poised to further strengthen its position as a key player in the regional and international aviation industry.
