Saudi Arabia's air traffic was 8% above 2019 levels in 2023, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported. It also marks a 26% increase over 2022. GACA said the success was driven by the Saudi Aviation Strategy, a part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, which saw the total number of flights increase 16% from 701,290 in 2022 to 814,995 flights in 2023.
""The exceptional 2023 air traffic figures are a testament to the strategic vision reflected in the Saudi Aviation Strategy, positioning the Kingdom to lead in the Middle East,"" said GACA president Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. ""Saudi Arabia is now more connected to the world than ever before, delivering record double-digit growth in flights and passengers carried during 2023.""
Low-cost carriers were said to have been an essential driver in passenger traffic growth, increasing domestic market share from 27% to 44%.
Al- Duailej added: ""Saudi Arabia is creating unprecedented opportunities for global aviation and the private sector. Today’s announcements pave the way for further growth, with the Madinah Airport doubling its capacity - reflecting the success of this Public-Private Partnership project.""
The expansion project will double Madinah Airport's capacity from eight million passengers per year to 17 million.
Saudi Arabia air traffic 8% above 2019 levels
