Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector achieved a historic milestone in 2024, handling over 128 million passengers. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed a 15% annual surge and 25% rise above pre-pandemic levels, signaling full recovery from COVID-19 impacts.
Domestic vs. International Travel Trends
Domestic flights transported 59 million passengers, while international routes welcomed 69 million travelers. Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah airports dominated, handling 82% of total traffic.
The Jeddah-Riyadh route led global domestic capacity growth, per OAG data. Meanwhile, Cairo-Jeddah ranked as the world’s second-busiest international corridor. Flight operations climbed 11% yearly, reaching 905,000 flights—474,000 domestic and 431,000 international.
Air Cargo and Connectivity Surge
Air cargo volumes skyrocketed 34% to 1.2 million tonnes, with Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport managing 573,000 tonnes. Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Airport handled 461,000 tonnes, and Dammam’s King Fahd Airport processed 140,000 tonnes. Additionally, Saudi Arabia expanded connectivity to 170+ global destinations, marking a 16% increase.
Notably, the 2024 Hajj season (9 May–21 July) drew 1.5 million air travelers, comprising 40% of international arrivals during that period. This surge underscored the sector’s pivotal role in supporting religious tourism.
GACA’s report highlights Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector as a global growth leader, driven by infrastructure investments and strategic Vision 2030 reforms. The kingdom continues to solidify its position as a key international travel and logistics hub.
