In the first half of 2024, the Kingdom experienced a 17% increase in passenger air traffic totalling 62 million, exceeding the 52 million from the previous year. This is according to the Saudi Press Agency’s (SPA) report on Friday. The General Authority of Civil Aviation statistics reveal that the number of flights was approximately 446 000 reflecting a 12% increase from the 399 000 flights recorded during the same period in 2023.
The volume of air freight also increased to 41% reaching 606 000 tons in comparison to 430 000 tons last year.
The Kingdom launched many projects this year including the development and expansion of Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the international terminal at Taif International Airport and the opening of Al-Ahsa International Airport’s expansion.
The report additionally revealed that 16 Saudi Arabia airports obtained the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality accreditation for 2024. The Authority also issued the first operational permit for cleaning buildings with drones. Three of Saudi Arabia’s international airports won awards from rating agencies in 2023.
These include the following;
Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport. This airport was honoured as the top regional airport in the Middle East at the Skytrax World Airport Awards ceremony in Frankfurt, Germany. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam secured three of the Saudi Airports Awards. It won accolades for best facility in the 5 to 15 million passenger category, the best services for people with disabilities and best customs inspection area.
King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah received the highest ratings on the Airport Council International list last year.
The national carrier Saudia received accolades in the 2024 Skytrax global ranking. It was recognised as the most advanced airline worldwide, receiving the award for best economy class catering.
The Authority aims to make the aviation sector in the Kingdom the first in the Middle East by reaching 330 million passengers, increasing air freight capacity to 4.5 million tonnes, and raising air connectivity to reach 250 destinations to and from Saudi airports by 2030.
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