Official statistics for 2023 revealed a historic leap for the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, with the Kingdom's airports recording record growth in air traffic exceeding 9.6%, welcoming more than 140.9 million passengers. This figure not only surpasses regional averages but also solidifies the Kingdom's position as one of the fastest-growing and most advanced aviation markets globally, driven by an ambitious national strategy aligned with the goals of Vision 2030.
Background to growth: National Aviation Strategy
This achievement is part of a broader plan embodied in the National Aviation Strategy, launched as a pillar of Vision 2030 to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents. The strategy aims to increase passenger capacity to 330 million passengers annually and expand international destinations to over 250 by 2030. The growth recorded in 2023 is a testament to the tangible progress made towards achieving these goals, reflecting the success of policies aimed at market liberalization, airport infrastructure development, and the launch of new airlines such as Riyadh Airlines.
2023 operational performance details
The 9.6% growth rate was not just a passing figure, but a result of significant expansion in capacity and air connectivity. The total of 140.9 million passengers was distributed between 76 million international and 65 million domestic passengers, indicating a strong recovery in international tourism and business travel, alongside robust domestic traffic. This growth coincided with a notable 8.3% increase in the number of flights, bringing the total to approximately 980,400 flights, a clear indicator of the sustainability of the recovery and the increasing demand for travel to and from the Kingdom.
Major airports lead the way
This growth was clearly evident at major airports, with King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah continuing to lead the way, accounting for 38% of total passenger traffic and averaging 146,000 passengers daily, exceeding its capacity by 107%. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh also performed strongly, representing 29% of the total and averaging 112,000 passengers daily. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam recorded record highs, with capacity utilization rates exceeding 137% and 112% respectively, underscoring the urgent need for ongoing and future expansion projects.
Importance and future impact
Regionally and internationally, this growth reinforces the Kingdom's position as a pivotal player in the aviation industry. Connecting to 176 international destinations, the Kingdom has become more accessible from around the world. Furthermore, the presence of air routes such as Cairo-Jeddah, ranked second globally, and Dubai-Riyadh, ranked seventh, underscores the Kingdom's strategic importance in the region. This development not only supports the tourism and entertainment sectors but also serves broader economic objectives. Air cargo volumes remained stable at 1.18 million tons, reflecting the aviation sector's role as a key driver of economic growth and logistics, and positioning its airports as gateways to the future.
