The air transport sector in Saudi Arabia achieved in 2023 remarkable growth, as announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Passenger traffic reached a record-breaking 112 million, reflecting a significant 26 percent increase compared to 2022 and exceeding pre-pandemic levels (2019) by more than 8 percent. This robust performance underscores the successful recovery of the transportation sector from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
GACA’s air traffic performance report reveals a corresponding rise in flight activity. The Kingdom’s airports witnessed approximately 815,000 flight movements in 2023, representing a 16 percent increase over the previous year.
Continuing its stellar performance, the aviation sector has achieved a growth rate of 26% in passenger numbers and 16% in the number of flights.
For further details, refer to the Air Traffic Report for the year 2023 ✈️🇸🇦.
— هيئة الطيران المدني (@ksagaca) April 16, 2024
Read more: Top performing airports in Saudi Arabia highlighted in GACA report
International travel experienced a surge, with passenger numbers reaching approximately 61 million and flight movements exceeding 394,000. King Abdulaziz International Airport emerged as the nation’s busiest hub, averaging 30 flights per hour. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport followed closely with a rate of 27 flights per hour, while King Fahd International Airport placed third with 11 flights per hour.
Domestic travel also displayed a positive trajectory. Passenger volume on domestic routes climbed to 51 million, facilitated by over 421,000 domestic flights departing from various airports across the Kingdom.
Air cargo transportation witnessed a modest but steady increase of over 7 percent in 2023, with a total volume exceeding 918,000 tons compared to 854,000 tons in 2022.
GACA’s strategic vision focuses on shaping the future of the sector by fostering a competitive and attractive investment environment. Ultimately, the authority aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global leader in air travel, contributing to the goals outlined in Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious development roadmap that envisions doubling air transport capacity by 2030.
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