The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, stated that Saudi Arabia aims to increase the number of passengers from 100 million to 330 million by 2030.
The Kingdom’s participation in the Cairo International Air Show in New Alamein is crucial for monitoring the latest technologies and developments in civil and military aviation.
Al-Duailej added in an interview with ‘Al Arabiya Business,’ that last year the number of passengers exceeded the numbers before the pandemic and reached 112 million local and international passengers at various airports in the Kingdom.
Regarding direct air connectivity with countries around the world, the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority said, “We have surpassed 170 direct stations compared to less than 100 previously, and we aim to reach 250 stations or more by 2030.”
He added that air freight exceeded one million tons, and it aims to increase it to 4.5 million tons by 2030.
Al-Duailej also revealed that work is being done to issue new licenses for private airline companies at Saudi airports.
He also stated that significant work is underway to develop airports. The general plan for King Salman Airport has been approved, and recently contracts have been signed with consulting firms to start the engineering work. Additionally, the project is proceeding according to plan, and the airport is expected to handle over 100 million passengers by 2030.
King Abdulaziz International Airport
He mentioned that the general plan for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has been approved, and work is in progress on a detailed plan to boost capacity to 120 million passengers. The expansion of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina is also underway.
It was noted that efforts are being made to privatize Abha Airport and increase its capacity from 1.5 million to 13 million passengers, as well as privatize Taif, Qassim, and Hail airports, and expand the temporary airports in Ahsa and Taif.
Saudi Airlines Buys 100 Electric Planes
Saudi Airlines has signed a contract with German company Lilium to purchase 100 electric aircraft.
Moreover, the deal, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, includes the purchase of 50 vertical takeoff and landing electric aircraft, with an option to acquire an additional 50 aircraft at a later date.
The company said that it is expecting the first aircraft to join Saudi Arabian Airlines in 2026.
The aircraft has a capacity of 4 to 6 seats and is designed to replace short flights by planes or helicopters.
Saudi Arabian Airlines says it intends to use these aircraft to transport pilgrims and Umrah performers between Mecca and Jeddah.
Tourism is considered a fundamental pillar of the blessed “Vision 2030.” The deal was signed at the headquarters of Lilium in Munich.
Finally, Saudi Airlines aims to increase its passenger numbers annually to 300 million by the end of the decade.
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