Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth, with the number of passengers and flights surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported a total of 112 million travelers passing through Saudi Arabia’s airports in 2023. This marks a substantial 26 percent increase from 2022 and surpassing levels seen in 2019. Additionally, the total number of flights soared by 16 percent to 814,995, demonstrating the sector’s rapid expansion.
GACA attributes the remarkable progress to the successful implementation of the Kingdom’s aviation strategy. With substantial increases in flights, passenger numbers and global connectivity, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leading force in the aviation landscape.
Expansion of air connectivity
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity is evident with the expansion to 148 destinations, solidifying its global reach. With at least 52 daily flights to and from the kingdom, Saudi Arabia emerges as a vital hub in the global aviation network, facilitating seamless travel experiences for passengers worldwide.
Saudi Arabia attributes the surge in passenger traffic to the increasing prominence of low-cost carriers. Hence, they now capture 44 percent of the domestic market, up from 27 percent. This shift reflects evolving traveler preferences, offering increased competition, choice and value. Internationally, low-cost carriers have doubled their market share from 16 percent before the pandemic to 32 percent in 2023, further driving growth and accessibility.
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Future growth prospects
GACA revealed Saudi Arabia’s performance figures at the 12th Saudi Aviation Strategy Steering Committee meeting in Madinah. During the meeting, Saudi Arabia announced several initiatives that aim to support the aviation sector’s growth. This includes the Madinah Airport’s plan to double its capacity from 8 to 17 million passengers annually. Moreover, Saudia, the national carrier, revealed its plans to expand operations at Madinah Airport through dedicated aircraft and increased capacity to better serve pilgrims and other travelers.
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