GACA Publishes December 2024 Airports Performance Report Highlighting Compliance Rates

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has released its December 2024 performance report for Saudi Arabia's airports. This evaluation focuses on 11 operational standards to enhance service quality and traveller experience. Airports are assessed based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring transparency in the process.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh topped the category for international airports with over 15 million passengers annually, achieving an 82% compliance rate. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah followed with a 73% compliance rate. These rankings reflect their adherence to GACA's operational standards.

In the category of international airports handling between 5 and 15 million passengers each year, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah both achieved a 91% compliance rate. However, King Fahd International excelled in several specific standards compared to its counterpart.

For airports managing between 2 and 5 million passengers annually, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan and Abha International Airport both reached a perfect compliance score of 100%. Despite this tie, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International surpassed Abha in meeting higher targets within the evaluation criteria.

Among airports serving fewer than 2 million passengers per year, Arar International Airport stood out with a perfect compliance score of 100%. It excelled particularly in minimizing average waiting times for departing and arriving flights. Turaif Airport also achieved first place among domestic airports with a similar perfect score, outperforming competitors in waiting time efficiency.

GACA's assessment criteria focus on key passenger touchpoints such as check-in, security checks, passport control, customs procedures, baggage claim processes, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. These metrics are designed to ensure a seamless travel experience that aligns with international best practices.

This comprehensive evaluation by GACA aims to drive improvements across all Saudi Arabian airports by setting benchmarks that enhance service quality and operational efficiency. The report highlights the commitment to providing travellers with a smooth journey through consistent monitoring and evaluation of airport performance.

With inputs from SPA