Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) recorded a 7% increase in passenger numbers and flights in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period of 2024, with the number of passengers reaching more than 66 million, compared with 62 million in the same period last year.
The number of flights reached 463,800, up 4% compared with the same period last year, which saw about 445,800 flights, according to the Saudi Press Agency website.
Air cargo volume in the first six months of this year fell 4% to 575,000 tons, compared with 597,000 tons in the same period of 2024, while the number of destinations rose by 8 to 140, compared with 132 destinations in the same period of 2024.
This came during the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Activation of the Aviation Program, chaired by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej and attended by Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Ahmed Al-Hassan, with the participation of vice presidents, CEOs, officials and directors representing airlines operating in the Kingdom's civil aviation sector, in Riyadh.
The meeting reviewed the most notable achievements at the local and international levels, including:
The launch of the strategic plan for Dammam airports, which aims to serve more than 19.3 million passengers annually through King Fahd International Airport by 2030 and raise air cargo capacity to more than 600,000 tons annually.
The announcement of the award of a Saudi low-cost airline to a consortium led by Air Arabia, Nesma Holding and Kun Holding, to operate domestic and international flights to and from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, enhancing travel options and connecting the Kingdom to 24 domestic and 57 international destinations.
Targeting the transport of about 10 million passengers annually through Dammam airport alone by 2030 and providing more than 2,400 direct jobs, in addition to supporting GDP within the targets of the Civil Aviation Program and contributing to economic growth and boosting tourism in Dammam and the Eastern Province.
Internationally, the civil aviation system had a notable presence at a number of international events, most notably:
The sector's participation in the Paris Air Show last June, where Saudi airlines announced strategic purchase orders reflecting their expansion ambitions to enhance air connectivity and increase capacity, including:
Riyadh Air signing an order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for 25 more.
AviLease placing its first direct order with Airbus, covering up to 77 aircraft.
Saudia Group announcing at the Farnborough Airshow the signing of an agreement to purchase 10 Airbus A330-900 aircraft for its subsidiary flyadeal.
GACA's participation in the high-level Aviation Week in Singapore this July, which saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Jeddah Airports Company and Changi Airport Group to strengthen joint cooperation.
An official visit to Ulaanbaatar, during which an air transport services agreement was signed between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Mongolia, aiming to open new horizons for bilateral cooperation in civil aviation.
GACA also announced the results of the 2024 "Comprehensive Airport Service Quality Assessment" program, and the GACA President honored the winning airports in recognition of their outstanding performance and to promote positive competition and transparency in the aviation sector.
The awards were divided into two main categories:
Main awards: allocated to the highest-rated airports in each category by passenger numbers, based on the criteria of the comprehensive assessment program, which include:
Operational performance
Quality of airport facilities and services
Passenger satisfaction survey results
Passenger complaints data
Secondary awards: granted to the best airports in providing services in specific areas of the journey, including:
Check-in
Passport control
Security screening
Customs inspection
Baggage claim
Services for people with disabilities
The "Most Improved Airport" award compared with 2023
To view the post on the Saudi Press Agency website, click here.
