RIYADH: Saudi airports recorded a historic surge in passenger traffic in 2025, handling a record-breaking 140.9 million travellers as the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector continues its rapid expansion.
This milestone reflects robust growth in both domestic and international travel, driven by expanded connectivity, rising tourism demand, and strategic investments under Vision 2030 to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global aviation hub.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that in 2025, passenger numbers grew by 9.6%, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.
These statistics reflect expanded airport capacity and broader air connectivity across the Kingdom. In 2025, Saudi airports handled approximately 140.9 million passengers, including both international and domestic travellers, supported by a roughly 8.3 % increase in flights, bringing total movements close to one million — clear evidence of the sector’s sustained recovery.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah maintained its prominence, serving a significant share of total passenger traffic and reinforcing its role as a key gateway under Saudi Vision 2030, while King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh also posted strong passenger numbers as a central hub for domestic and international flights.
Smaller but fast-growing airports such as those in Madinah and Dammam saw notable surges in usage, reflecting wider national gains in connectivity and travel demand that extend beyond the biggest metropolitan centres.
At the global level, Saudi Arabia enhanced its air connectivity to 176 international destinations with high-frequency rates of 52 flights or more per year, easing access to different continents.
Alongside the surge in passenger traffic, Saudi Arabia’s air cargo sector remained resilient, with cargo volumes reaching approximately 1.18 million tons — largely handled by the country’s three major airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — underscoring the aviation industry’s growing role as a key driver of economic growth and logistics services.
