• Passenger numbers soar 15% to 128 million, while flights increased 11% to 902,000 in 2024 and aviation cargo volumes surged 35%
• Saudi airports now connect to more than 172 destinations weekly, representing a 16% increase in 2024.
• The results were announced at 15^th Aviation Sector Steering Committee, attended by Tourism and Sports leaders to prepare for 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Riyadh, 9 January 2024 – The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced exceptional growth in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector in 2024, marked by record-breaking achievements in passenger numbers, flights, connectivity, and cargo volumes.

The record-breaking results were released at the 15th Aviation Sector Steering Committee, held in Riyadh to mark the four-year anniversary since the approval of the Saudi Aviation Strategy and including preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

In 2024 Saudi aviation passenger numbers increased by 15% to 128 million in 2024, 24% above pre-pandemic levels, with flight numbers rising by 11% to 902,000.

There was also a 16% increase in connectivity with the Kingdom now connected to 172 destinations on a weekly basis around the world.

Saudi Arabia’s air cargo sector also recorded a stellar 34% increase in volume, reaching more than 1 million tons in 2024.

H.E Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister for Transport and Logistics Services, praised the sector’s progress and importance of 2034 World Cup Preparations:

“Saudi aviation is achieving unprecedented growth, enabled by the National Transport and Logistics Strategy’s comprehensive infrastructure and investment agenda.  This growth is essential for supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader economic ambitions, as the Kingdom prepares to host the world over the coming decade.”

H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, GACA President, attributed this success to the sector’s unified efforts.

“Saudi aviation’s has achieved consecutive years of record growth in 2023 and 2024, soaring to new heights in connectivity, flights, and cargo services. This remarkable progress reflects the commitment of the entire Saudi aviation ecosystem to advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda through the Saudi Aviation Strategy.”

Since the SAS was released four years ago several key milestones have been achieved including the institutional transfer of airports and commencement of privatization and airport infrastructure programs, establishment of Riyadh Air, Release of the King Salman International Airport masterplan, Launch of Riyadh Integrated – the Kingdom’s first Special Integrated Logistics Zone, implementation of new passenger rights, largest overhaul of economic regulations in 15 years, and the release of the Advanced Air Mobility and General Aviation Roadmaps.

The steering committee also brought together sport and tourism leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid team, to prepare for future major events over the next decade.

About the Saudi Aviation Strategy and GACA

The Saudi Aviation Strategy is transforming the entire Saudi aviation ecosystem to become the number one aviation sector in the Middle East by 2030, enabled by Vision 2030 and in line with the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

The Strategy is unlocking US$100 billion in private and government investment across the Kingdom’s airports, airlines and aviation support services. The Strategy will extend Saudi Arabia’s connectivity from 99 to more than 250 destinations across 29 airports, triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million, establish two global long-haul connecting hubs, and increase air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons. 

The Saudi Aviation Strategy is led by the Kingdom’s aviation regulator, the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). GACA’s regulatory mission is to develop the air transport industry in accordance with the latest international standards, strengthen the position of the Kingdom as a globally influential player in civil aviation, and enforce the relevant rules, regulations and procedures to ensure air transport safety and security.