Saudi Arabia recorded a notable presence in the ranking of the world's busiest air routes in 2025, with three routes connected to its airports featuring on the global list issued by OAG, a leading aviation data provider. This highlights the rapid growth of air travel in the Kingdom.
This performance reflects the expansion of capacity at Saudi airports, rising demand for air travel, and improved operational efficiency, in line with the objectives of the Aviation Program, which falls under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, according to a post by the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation.
The Jeddah–Riyadh route ranked fifth globally among the world's busiest domestic air routes in 2025, with a total capacity of 9.8 million seats. It recorded annual growth of 13%, representing a 22% increase compared to 2019 levels.
Meanwhile, the Cairo–Jeddah route ranked second globally among the busiest international air routes in 2025, with a capacity of 5.8 million seats. It recorded annual growth of 5% compared to 2024 and a significant increase of 71% compared to 2019, reflecting growing demand for this vital air link between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
In the same context, the Dubai–Riyadh route ranked seventh globally among the busiest air routes in 2025, with a capacity of 4.5 million seats. It recorded annual growth of 4% compared to 2024 and an increase of 42% compared to 2019 levels.
This global ranking highlights the success of the efforts led by Saudi Arabia's civil aviation sector to strengthen air connectivity, expand its international destination network, and improve operational efficiency, supporting tourism and business travel while enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi airports at both regional and global levels.
To view the announcement on the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation's website, click here.
