Deputy Emir of Mecca reviews the projects and programs of the civil aviation sector in the region

March 21, 2024

Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region, chaired a meeting at the emirate’s headquarters in Jeddah today, in the presence of the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, other GACA officials and leaders of the Airports Holding Company.

The deputy emir listened to an explanation of the programs and projects of the civil aviation sector in the region, presented by the CEO of Airports Holding Company, Engineer Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, and the CEO of Jeddah Airports Company, Engineer Mazen Johar. The presentation also addressed work developments at King Abdulaziz International Airport and the readiness of the airport lounges to receive travelers.

Ongoing projects discussed included increasing the capacity of Taif Airport and establishing a new international airport, in partnership with the private sector.

The presentation additionally discussed the strategic plan for Jeddah Airport and its objectives in line with the Saudi Aviation Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, which include raising the share of non-air revenues to 45 percent, handling 2.5 million tons of air freight, connecting the airport to more than 150 destinations, achieving connecting flight movements ranging from 12 to 15 million passengers, and serving 114 million passengers by 2030.

The presentation stated that the total number of passengers through King Abdulaziz Airport during 2024 amounted to 11,800 million, while the average daily number of passengers reached 141,500. The highest daily operating rate reached 157,800 thousand passengers, and the number of passengers is expected to exceed 4.9 million by the end of this month.