In 2025, Saudi airports witnessed a 9.6 percent increase in passenger traffic, reaching a total of 140.9 million travelers, as the Kingdom continues to bolster its aviation sector. This surge in passenger numbers aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform the country into a global hub for aviation and tourism. The number of international passengers rose to 75.8 million, reflecting a 9.4 percent increase from the previous year, while domestic travelers totaled 65.1 million, marking a 9.8 percent rise.
The aviation sector’s growth persisted despite regional disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, which led to airspace closures and flight cancellations throughout the Middle East. During the period from February 18 to March 28, Saudi airports managed to handle more than 12.1 million passengers, showcasing the resilience of the country’s aviation infrastructure. King Abdulaziz International Airport emerged as the busiest airport in the Kingdom, accommodating 53.5 million passengers, a 9 percent increase from the previous year. It was followed by King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with 40.8 million passengers and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam with 13.7 million passengers.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector demonstrated remarkable adaptability through strategic planning and increased airport capacity, as highlighted by GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej during a meeting in Riyadh. Between February 28 and May 3, the Kingdom’s airports received over 2,000 flights from neighboring countries, transporting more than 258,000 passengers. The General Authority for Statistics reported that in 2025, Saudi airports managed approximately 178,600 domestic and 207,700 international arriving and departing passengers daily, with the total number of flights reaching 979,800, an 8.3 percent increase from 2024.
The expansion of Saudi Arabia’s aviation capabilities is further evidenced by a significant growth in the total aircraft fleet, which rose to 483 in 2025, a 33.8 percent increase from the previous year. Air cargo volume also reached 1.18 million tonnes, with inbound cargo leading the way at 695,600 tonnes. The Kingdom’s international airports connected to 66 countries in 2025, a slight increase of 1.5 percent from 2024, and served 176 destinations, up by 2.3 percent. Saudia led in airspace utilization, followed by flynas and flyadeal, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s 18th place in the Global Air Connectivity Index for 2025.