King Abdulaziz Airport records 53 million passengers and enters the list of mega airports

In a move reflecting the significant boom in the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah achieved an unprecedented historical milestone, announcing that it handled 53.4 million passengers in a single year. This record not only placed the airport at the forefront of Saudi airports but also officially earned it a place on the list of "Mega Airports" globally, a list that includes the largest international airports in terms of operational traffic and passenger numbers.

Record figures reflect operational efficiency

The achievement was not limited to passenger numbers alone, but encompassed all operational processes at the airport, which serves as the main gateway to the Two Holy Mosques. Detailed statistics are as follows:

• Number of flights: The total number of flights reached (310) thousand air travels, reflecting a continuous movement that connects the Kingdom with the various continents of the world.
• Baggage handling: (60.4) million bags were handled, achieving a growth of (12%) compared to the previous year, indicating a significant improvement in logistics services and smart handling systems.
• Zamzam water containers: In a quality service for the guests of God, the number of Zamzam water containers that were handled and shipped reached (9.57) million containers.
• Air freight: The airport recorded (2968) cargo flights, confirming its role as a regional logistics hub.

Strategic context: A gateway to Vision 2030

This achievement cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the Kingdom's economic transformation. This rapid growth aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy , which aims to increase the capacity of Saudi airports to more than 330 million passengers annually by 2030. The inclusion of Jeddah Airport among the world's mega airports underscores the success of plans to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

This figure also reflects the success of the programs to serve the guests of God and facilitate visa and tourism procedures, as King Abdulaziz International Airport is considered the main artery for pilgrims and Umrah performers to the Holy Mosque, making its operational efficiency a fundamental pillar in the religious and tourist experience of visitors.

Future readiness and global aspirations

Commenting on this milestone, Jeddah Airports Company CEO, Eng. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers is practical proof of the airport's high operational readiness and advanced infrastructure. He noted that this figure represents a pivotal moment for moving into a new phase of expansion, with ambitions to double these numbers in the coming years to keep pace with the Kingdom's population and economic growth.

The essence of this national achievement is attributed first to God’s grace, then to the unlimited support of the wise leadership, and the diligent follow-up of the transport system represented by the Ministry of Transport and the General Authority of Civil Aviation, in addition to the combined efforts of all partners from the public and private sectors who work as one system to provide an exceptional travel experience.