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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced a notable increase in the number of passengers and flights in the Kingdom during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Passenger numbers rose by 7% in the past six months, reaching over 66 million, up from 62 million in the same period last year. The number of flights increased by 4%, with nearly 463,800 flights recorded, compared to 445,800 flights in the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, air cargo volumes declined by 4%, reaching 575,000 tons compared to 597,000 tons in the same period of 2024. The number of destinations also grew by eight, reaching 140 destinations compared to 132 in the same period last year.

These announcements were made during the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Activation of the Aviation Program, chaired by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA. The meeting was held in Riyadh in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Hassan, Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, as well as vice presidents, CEOs, officials, and directors representing national airlines and companies operating in the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector.

During the meeting, His Excellency Al-Duailej expressed appreciation for the substantial support extended to the civil aviation sector by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He also reviewed key achievements both locally and internationally, including the launch of Dammam Airports Company’s strategic plan, which aims to serve over 19.3 million passengers annually at King Fahd International Airport by 2030 and increase cargo capacity to more than 600,000 tons per year.

Additionally, GACA announced the awarding of a new low-cost national airline license to a consortium led by Air Arabia in partnership with Nesma Holding and Kun Holding. The airline will operate domestic and international flights to and from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, serving 24 domestic and 57 international destinations. The initiative aims to enhance air connectivity, transport nearly 10 million passengers annually via the airport by 2030, create more than 2,400 direct jobs, and contribute to the national GDP in line with the goals of the aviation sector program, while boosting tourism in Dammam and the Eastern Region.

On the international front, the civil aviation sector participated in the Paris Air Show in June, where Saudi carriers announced significant aircraft purchase deals to support long-term goals in air connectivity and capacity expansion. Riyadh Air signed an agreement to purchase 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for 25 additional aircraft. Meanwhile, AviLease submitted its first direct order to Airbus for up to 77 aircraft. At the Farnborough Air Show, the Saudi Group announced an order for ten Airbus A330-900 aircraft for its subsidiary flyadeal.

GACA also took part this July in the High-Level Aviation Week in Singapore and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Jeddah Airports Company and Changi Airport Group. Furthermore, a delegation visited Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to sign an air services agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Mongolia.

His Excellency Al-Duailej emphasized the importance of redoubling efforts to improve the overall performance of the sector, strengthen civil aviation’s role, and enhance its competitiveness to meet the leadership’s aspirations for the development of this vital sector in service of citizens and travelers. He commended all employees in the civil aviation ecosystem for their dedication and collaborative efforts despite the challenges facing the industry.

The meeting also discussed updates on the activation of the aviation program, progress on recommendations from the 16th steering committee meeting, and updates on strategies, goals, and priorities of national airlines and companies operating in the Kingdom's airports, ensuring alignment with the aviation program.

In addition, GACA announced the results of the 2024 Airport Service Quality Comprehensive Evaluation Program. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej honored the top-performing airports in recognition of their efforts, promoting positive competition, transparency, and outstanding performance across the Kingdom’s airports.

Awards were presented in two categories: main awards for the highest-rated airports in each passenger volume category, based on all evaluation program elements — including operational performance, service and facility quality, passenger satisfaction surveys, and complaints. Secondary awards were also presented for excellence in specific areas of the passenger journey within airports, such as check-in, passport control, security screening, customs inspection, baggage claim, services for passengers with disabilities, and the most improved airport compared to 2023.