June 2024 GACA Report: Saudi Airports Set High Performance Standards

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released its June report on the performance of Saudi Arabia's domestic and international airports. The assessment is based on 11 operational performance standards, aligning with strategic goals to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveller experience at Kingdom airports.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot among airports handling over 15 million passengers annually, achieving an 82% compliance rate. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah followed closely with a 64% compliance rate. In the category of international airports serving between 5 to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport tied for first place with a 91% compliance rate.

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport came next with an 82% compliance rate. For airports handling between 2 to 5 million passengers annually, Abha International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan both achieved a 100% compliance rate. However, Abha International Airport outperformed by surpassing higher targets in specified evaluation criteria.

In the category of airports with less than 2 million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved a perfect compliance rate of 100%. It outperformed competitors regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. Qurayyat Airport also excelled in the domestic airport category, achieving a 100% compliance rate and outperforming all competing airports regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights.

Evaluation Criteria

GACA evaluates airport performance through operational performance standards focused on critical passenger touchpoints. These include check-in, security, passport control, customs, baggage claim, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). These metrics ensure a seamless and efficient travel experience for all passengers and are aligned with international best practices.

The report ranked King Khalid International Airport, King Fahd International Airport, Abha International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Qurayyat Airport highly. GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers to ensure transparency.

This comprehensive evaluation aims to enhance services at Saudi Arabian airports by focusing on key operational areas that impact passenger experience directly. By adhering to these standards, GACA ensures that all travellers enjoy a smooth journey through the Kingdom's airports.

With inputs from SPA