A lot of people are now travelling more than ever in Saudi Arabia. And a big proof of this is an uptick in the percentage of passenger traffic in the first six months of 2024. Yes, according to the Saudi Press Agency, the figures have reached 62 million in the first half of 2024 for passenger traffic in Saudi Arabia. Here’s what you need to know about this development.
Rise In Passengers In Saudi Arabia
As compared to the previous year, passenger traffic has increased to about 62 million in Saudi Arabia for the first six months of 2024. This is an uptick by 17% as the previous year constituted 53 million passenger traffic for the same period. In fact, the number of flights has also reached 4,46,000, which makes it an increase of 12%. This percentage has been attributed as the number of flights was 3,99,000 for the same period in 2023. The report by the Saudi Press Agency has cited statistics released by the General Authority of Civil Aviation.
The Freight Volume Has Also Gone Up
Not only tourists, air freight volume has also gone up. Reaching 6,66,000 tonnes in the first six months, this is a 41% rise from 4,30,000 tonnes in 2023. Moreover, the nation has also achieved a lot in the past six months, which includes 16 Saudi airports obtaining Airport Council International Airport Service Quality accreditation for 2024. So, as the Saudi airports continue to progress in ranking and make a place for themselves in the top 50 airports worldwide, the travel volume is bound to increase. In fact, in a recent report by Skytrax, several Saudi airports were ranked among the top 50 airports worldwide. Not only this, but even the previous year’s three of international airports in the kingdom won awards from several rating agencies the previous year.
Also Read: Top 7 Places In UAE To Enjoy The Euro Cup Finals On 14th July
A Look At The 16 Accreditated Hotels
In case you’re wondering about the 16 airports that have been accredited, they are as follows:
Abhay international airport
Hail international airport
Al-jouf international airport
Rafha airport
Turaif Airport
Al-Qurayyat Airport
Taif International Airport
Narjan International Airport
Bisha Airport
Sharurah Airport
Wadi Al-Dawasir Airport
King Saud Bun Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha
Prince Abdul Mohsen Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Yanbu
King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Jazan
Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport, aal-Qassim
Al-Qurayyat Airport
Taif International Airport
Dawadami International Airport
These achievements are certainly a part of all the initiatives and programs that have been launched by the GAC. Yes, aiming to contribute towards the development of the air transport industry locally, regionally, and internationally, this falls in line with the National Strategy for Civil Aviation Sector. For those who are wondering, the strategy is to make the aviation sector in the kingdom first in the Middle East by reaching 330 million passengers. Not to mention, the aim is also to increase the fit capacity to 4,500,000 tonnes and raise air connectivity by reaching 250 destinations from Saudi airports.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.