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 In a step to reflect the accelerated progress toward achieving the objectives of the Aviation Program, 2025 statistics revealed record growth in Saudi Arabia’s air traffic, surpassing regional averages with a 9.6% increase in passenger numbers. This growth strengthened the Kingdom’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, driven by the expansion of tourism, global events, and increased international air connectivity.

The 9.6% growth was the result of expanded airport capacity and enhanced air connectivity. Saudi airports handled approximately 140.9 million passengers, including 76 million international and 65 million domestic travelers. This growth coincided with an 8.3% increase in flight movements, bringing the total number of flights to around 980,400, underscoring the sustainability of the sector’s recovery.

This growth was particularly evident at major airports. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah led passenger traffic, accounting for 38% of the total, with a daily average of 146,000 passengers, exceeding its designed capacity by 107%. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh recorded a strong performance, handling 29% of total passengers, with an average of 112,000 passengers per day. Meanwhile, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam registered historic increases, with capacity utilization exceeding 137% and 112%, respectively.

On the international front, the Kingdom secured air connectivity to 176 international destinations with high service frequencies of 52 flights or more annually, enhancing ease of access from various continents. Saudi Arabia also reinforced its presence among the world’s busiest air corridors, with the Cairo–Jeddah route ranking second globally with 5.8 million seats, while the Dubai–Riyadh route ranked seventh worldwide with 4.5 million seats.

In parallel with passenger traffic growth, the air cargo sector recorded stable performance, with total cargo volumes reaching approximately 1.18 million tons. The three major airports Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam accounted for the largest share, reflecting the aviation sector’s role as a key driver of economic growth and logistics services.

These figures confirm that 2025 marked a year of sustainability and growth, as the Kingdom continued to consolidate its role as a pivotal player in global aviation, positioning Saudi airports as an increasingly vital gateway connecting the world to future opportunities.