Saudi aviation reports record-breaking H1 passenger growth

This includes the substantial growth in passenger traffic, expanded connectivity, and the award of a new national low-cost carrier.

Between January and June, Saudi airports handled more than 66 million passengers, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period last year. Flight activity also saw growth, with a total of 463,800 flights operated during the first half of the year—up 4% from 2024. Cargo volumes reached 575,000 tons, reflecting continued momentum in trade and logistics. The Kingdom’s four major airports—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah, collectively processed 85% of all passenger traffic during this period.

During the 2025 Hajj season, 1.435 million pilgrims were served across more than 128,000 flights. Over 1 million pilgrims benefited from the Luggage-Free Passenger Service, which handled 1.6 million bags and distributed 856,000 bottles of Zamzam water. These efforts were supported by a workforce of over 18,000 men and women stationed across the Kingdom’s airports.

Saudi Arabia also expanded its global aviation connectivity in the first half of the year, with new routes established to cities including Manchester, Hong Kong, Beijing, Rome, Kuala Lumpur, and Moscow. These additions support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to become a leading global aviation and tourism hub.

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, GACA President, said: “Across our airports, airlines, and the broader aviation ecosystem, we are delivering tangible results that are enabling Vision 2030. There is record-breaking performance, capacity expansion, and the strengthening of vital connections that fuel economic growth and serve industries across the Kingdom. This is the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia – bold, connected, and built for impact.”