King Khalid International Airport, managed by Riyadh Airports Company, achieved its highest operational record in July 2024. The airport handled 3.5 million passengers, surpassing the previous record of 3.1 million set in June. This remarkable growth, representing an increase of 400,000 passengers in just one month, underscores the airport’s rising prominence.
Daily Passenger Milestones
On August 1, 2024, the airport set a new daily passenger record, managing 130,000 travelers in a single day. This achievement eclipsed previous records of 125,000 on July 25 and 124,000 on June 13. The seat occupancy rate in July reached an impressive 91%, highlighting the airport’s exceptional capacity and operational efficiency.
Maintaining Flight Punctuality Amid Challenges
Despite global challenges in the aviation sector, King Khalid International Airport maintained a strong on-time performance. The airport achieved an 88% punctuality rate in June and sustained an 84% rate in July. These figures demonstrate the airport’s commitment to operational excellence and crisis management.
Leadership’s Focus on Excellence
Ayman bin Abdulaziz Abouaba, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, emphasized that these achievements reflect the dedication of the airport’s leadership and partners. Their ongoing efforts aim to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the passenger experience to world-class standards.
Saudi Airports Lead in Complaint Resolution
In addition to these operational records, King Khalid International Airport led Saudi Arabia’s international terminal rankings in July with the lowest complaint rate of 0.4 percent per 100,000 passengers. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported that the airport achieved a 100 percent resolution rate, despite handling over 6 million passengers annually.
Domestic Airport Performance
Bisha Airport, among domestic terminals, reported the lowest complaint rate at 3 percent per 100,000 passengers, also achieving a 100 percent resolution rate. Hail International Airport followed with a 1 percent complaint rate and similarly resolved all issues. These metrics reflect the success of Saudi Arabia’s air transport policies, which aim to enhance service quality as part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative.
Improving Traveler Communication
To enhance communication with travelers, GACA provides multiple contact options, including a call center, WhatsApp, email, social media, and its official website. The authority handles complaints related to boarding passes, employee behavior, and services for individuals with disabilities through these channels. To further support partner airports, GACA released a booklet with guidelines for managing traveler complaints and regularly hosts workshops to train airline and ground service employees on compliance with passenger protection regulations.
