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Saudi Aviation Industry

30 Million Flew on Saudia in 2023

image courtesy of Saudia
image courtesy of Saudia
Written by Linda Hohnholz

Saudia Airlines achieved a 21% increase in operational performance, maintaining an impressive on-time performance rate of 86.44%.

In 2023, Saudia, the official airline of Saudi Arabia, has undergone further changes. They have transported more than 30 million passengers, showing a 21% increase from the previous year. Additionally, they have operated over 176.3 thousand flights, indicating a 4% increase. Furthermore, transit flights experienced significant growth, with a 77% increase compared to 2019. Visit the Saudia website for more information.

Saudia has achieved significant milestones by implementing strategic improvements to its operational structure. These enhancements primarily revolved around boosting seat capacity and flight frequency, while simultaneously prioritizing operational efficiency. As a result of these efforts, Saudia accomplished an impressive on-time performance rate of 86.44% in 2023, positioning it in the top 10 globally.

Internationally, Saudia has played a pivotal role in connecting the world to the Kingdom by transporting over 16.7 million passengers through its international flight network, marking a substantial 36% increase. The airline operated more than 79.4 thousand international flights, marking a 19% increase compared to the previous year. Saudia has also registered a 26% increase in flight hours with 382 thousand flight hours in 2023.

Domestically, Saudia continued to serve the Kingdom by transporting over 13.5 million passengers, showcasing a 7% growth compared to previous year. Moreover, 55% of the total flights operated, totaling 96.9 thousand flights, were dedicated to the domestic destinations, accumulating 163 thousand flight hours.

Saudia has also inaugurated operations to the Red Sea International Airport in 2023, alongside the launch of several international stations including Beijing, China, Birmingham, UK, and Johannesburg, South Africa, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its global reach across various continents.

Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia Group, said:

“These figures are a testament to our success in serving key sectors, including tourism, business, and pilgrimage.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate a substantial expansion of our fleet, propelling our performance and marking a new chapter for Saudia since its inception, eighty-years ago,” He added.

Saudia currently operates flights to over one hundred destinations across four continents with a diverse fleet of 142 aircraft. With strategic investments in King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudia aims to establish a central hub that bridges the East with the West for transit flights. This aligns with the airline’s commitment to improve the travel experience for guests through the adoption of the latest digital systems, artificial intelligence technologies, as well as introducing an upgraded system infrastructure which is set to elevate operational efficiency and punctuality.