JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) has achieved a historic milestone in 2024, serving 49.1 million passengers.
This is the highest annual passenger traffic in the history of Saudi airports marking a 14% increase as compared to 2023, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.
Located near Jeddah, the airport is a crucial hub for both domestic and international flights.
The airport recorded a significant increase in total flights, surpassing 278,000—an 11% increase from the last year. It also handled 47.1 million bags, showing a 21% growth compared to 2023.
The busiest day at the airport ever recorded was on December 31, 2024, serving more than 174,600 passengers. Likewise, December 2024 became the busiest month in the airport’s history, with passenger numbers exceeding 4.7 million.
Jeddah Airports Company CEO Mazen Johar attributed the increase in numbers to the airport’s rapid operational growth, driven by the guidance of the Kingdom’s leadership and the diligent oversight of the transport sector’s authorities.
He highlighted the continuous infrastructure development at KAIA, stressing the company’s vision to transform the airport into a global hub. This vision aims to elevate the passenger experience while positioning the airport as a key gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, as well as a catalyst for tourism and trade.
The airport serves millions of passengers annually, including a significant number of pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah. The Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport is one of the largest in the world, designed to handle the influx of religious pilgrims.
Its strategic location makes the airport a prime gateway for those travelling to Makkah.
KAIA serves as a hub for several airlines, including Saudia and Flynas. With its ongoing expansion efforts, the airport is focused on increasing capacity and enhancing services to support future growth.
