The General Authority for Statistics released its 2024 Air Transport Statistics report today, indicating a remarkable expansion in both passenger and freight air traffic across Saudi Arabia’s airports compared to 2023. The report reveals significant growth figures and outlines key trends that highlight the ongoing development of the aviation sector in the Kingdom.
In 2024, the total number of operational aircraft in Saudi Arabia reached 361, marking an impressive increase of 11% from the previous year. The commercial aircraft fleet led this growth, comprising 258 planes—a 12% rise—of which 97 aircraft have a capacity exceeding 250 seats. Additionally, the report states that the general aviation fleet consists of 103 aircraft, reflecting a 7% increase.
Passenger numbers have also surged, with over 128 million travelers passing through the country’s airports in 2024. This represents a 15% increase compared to 2023. Notably, international passengers numbered over 69 million, an increase of 14%, while domestic travelers totaled more than 59 million, showing a robust growth of 16%.
King Abdulaziz International Airport emerged as the busiest airport in the nation, accommodating approximately 49 million passengers and demonstrating a growth rate of 14%. Following closely behind, King Khalid International Airport registered around 37.6 million travelers, with an impressive growth of 18%. King Fahd International Airport also saw significant traffic, servicing 12.8 million passengers, translating to a 15% increase.
The daily averages for passengers were equally noteworthy. Domestic flights saw an average of about 162,000 passengers each day, while international flights averaged approximately 189,000 daily travelers. These statistics underscore the increasing reliance on air travel among both residents and visitors.
In terms of air freight, the report detailed a considerable increase in air cargo operations, with total freight volumes reaching 1.2 million tons in 2024—an increase of 34% when compared with the previous year. March recorded the highest volume, with 123,000 tons of cargo transported.
Air cargo figures were broken down into categories showing that outbound shipments accounted for 64,000 tons, while incoming shipments tallied at 720,000 tons. Additionally, transit cargo made up 407,000 tons of the total freight.
The Air Transport Statistics report is published annually by the General Authority for Statistics, with the goal of providing accurate data and indicators on air transport activities in Saudi Arabia, including passenger traffic, flight operations, and freight movement in both commercial and general aviation. This initiative supports the broader development of the air transport sector and its alignment with national growth strategies.
In conclusion, the latest statistics reflect a vibrant and growing air transport sector in Saudi Arabia. The overall increase in both passenger numbers and cargo volumes signifies not only a recovery post-pandemic but also a substantial enhancement in the Kingdom’s logistical and travel infrastructure. The upward trends in airport traffic and aircraft operations are encouraging indicators of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to establish itself as a leading hub in the global aviation landscape.
