Saudi Arabia Witnesses 20% Increase In Air Travel, Aims To Boost Passenger Experience

The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, has announced a 20% increase in passenger travel figures in Saudi Arabia this year. This growth follows a 26% surge last year, bringing the total number of passengers to 111 million. The increase is attributed to the Kingdom's robust aviation connectivity program.

In 2023, the program expanded connectivity by 48%, adding 148 new destinations worldwide. Additionally, low-cost carriers have significantly increased their international market share since the pandemic. During his keynote speech at the Future Aviation Forum 2024, Al-Duailej stated, "We are proud to launch GACA's first aviation report, which highlights the sector's achievements and contributions to the Saudi economy."

Al-Duailej emphasized the transformation of the aviation industry in recent years, noting that the number of flights increased from zero to over 37 million last year. He outlined key objectives for the sector, including expanding the number of destinations to over 250, boosting cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons annually, and increasing passenger traffic to 330 million.

He highlighted the implementation of numerous economic reforms aimed at creating an attractive investment environment for the sector. These reforms are designed to unlock significant economic potential and are heavily reliant on other national strategies.

The Future Aviation Forum 2024 featured diverse and insightful topics aimed at fostering growth and collaboration within the sector. Al-Duailej expressed confidence that these discussions would lay the groundwork for the safe and sustainable development of Saudi Arabia's advanced air transport sector.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's aviation industry has seen substantial growth and transformation in recent years. With ambitious objectives and strategic reforms in place, the sector is poised for continued expansion and success.

With inputs from SPA