Saudi Arabia’s airports recorded unprecedented growth in air traffic in 2025, handling approximately 140.9 million passengers, up 9.6% compared to 2024. This included 76 million international passengers and 65 million domestic passengers.
This growth coincided with a notable 8.3% increase in the number of flights, reaching approximately 980,400 flights, highlighting the sector’s sustained recovery, according to a press release published on the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation’s website.
The growth was particularly evident at major airports, with King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah maintaining its leading position, accounting for 38% of total passenger traffic, with an average of 146,000 passengers per day, exceeding its capacity by 107%.
Meanwhile, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh recorded strong performance, accounting for 29% of total passengers, with an average of 112,000 passengers daily. Madinah and Dammam airports also achieved historic growth, with capacity utilization rates exceeding 137% and 112%, respectively.
Saudi Arabia successfully secured air connectivity to 176 international destinations, with at least 52 flights annually to each destination, enhancing access to the Kingdom from different continents. The Kingdom also strengthened its position on the world’s busiest air routes, with the Cairo–Jeddah route ranking second globally with 5.8 million seats, while the Dubai–Riyadh route ranked seventh with 4.5 million seats.
Alongside passenger traffic growth, the air cargo sector remained stable, handling 1.18 million tons of cargo. The three major airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam accounted for the largest share, highlighting aviation’s role as a key driver of economic growth and logistics services.
To view the press release on the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation’s website, click here.
