GACA Publishes November 2024 Report On Saudi Arabia's Airport Performance And Compliance Rates

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has released its November report evaluating the performance of Saudi Arabia's domestic and international airports. The assessment is based on 11 operational standards aimed at enhancing services and ensuring a smooth travel experience. Airports such as King Khalid International in Riyadh and King Fahd International in Dammam were among the top performers.

GACA categorises airports by annual passenger numbers to ensure fair evaluation. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh led the category for airports with over 15 million passengers annually, achieving an 82% compliance rate. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah followed with a 73% compliance rate.

In the category for international airports serving between 5 to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah both achieved a 91% compliance rate. However, King Fahd outperformed Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz in several specific standards.

Abha International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan excelled in the 2 to 5 million annual passenger category, each achieving a perfect compliance rate of 100%. Abha Airport surpassed King Abdullah Airport by meeting higher targets within the evaluation criteria.

For airports handling fewer than 2 million passengers annually, Arar International Airport achieved a perfect compliance score of 100%. It excelled particularly in reducing average waiting times for departing and arriving flights. Gurayat Airport also topped the domestic airport category with a 100% compliance rate, outperforming others in managing waiting times effectively.

The evaluation by GACA focuses on key passenger touchpoints such as check-in, security, passport control, customs, baggage claim, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. These metrics are designed to ensure an efficient travel experience aligned with international best practices.

This comprehensive assessment highlights GACA's commitment to improving airport services across Saudi Arabia. By focusing on operational standards that matter most to travellers, GACA aims to provide seamless experiences at all Kingdom airports.

With inputs from SPA