News

The Kingdom continues to consolidate its position as a global aviation hub, following the inclusion of several air routes linked to its airports among the world’s busiest routes in 2025, according to the ranking issued by OAG, a leading aviation data company.

This achievement reflects the rapid growth witnessed by the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector, supported by increased airport capacity, rising demand for air travel, and improved operational efficiency — in alignment with the objectives of the Aviation Program, derived from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

The Jeddah–Riyadh route ranked fifth globally among the busiest domestic air routes in 2025, with a total seat capacity of 9.8 million seats, recording annual growth of 13%, and an increase of 22% compared to 2019 levels.

Meanwhile, the Cairo–Jeddah route ranked second among the world’s busiest international routes in 2025, with a total seat capacity of 5.8 million seats, achieving 5% annual growth compared to 2024 and a remarkable 71% increase compared to 2019 levels, reflecting strong and growing demand on this vital route.

In the same context, the Dubai–Riyadh route ranked seventh among the world’s busiest routes in 2025, with a seat capacity of 4.5 million seats, registering 4% annual growth compared to 2024 and a 42% increase compared to 2019 levels.

This global ranking affirms the success of efforts led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in collaboration with its partners in the aviation ecosystem, to strengthen air connectivity, enhance operational efficiency, and expand the international route network — supporting tourism and business movement while boosting the competitiveness of Saudi airports regionally and globally.

The inclusion of these routes among the world’s busiest serves as a clear indicator of the qualitative transformation taking place in the Kingdom’s aviation sector, and its growing role in supporting the national economy and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a major hub for international air transport.