SAUDI ARABIA. Saudi Arabia’s aviation market delivered record growth in 2025, according to new figures released by the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Passenger numbers reached almost 141 million and rose +9.6% year on year, well ahead of the Middle East regional average, GACA noted. The passenger split was 76 million international and 65 million domestic travellers.
According to the aviation authority, the record numbers were driven by airport expansion, stronger international connectivity and sustained demand linked to tourism growth and global events.
The striking numbers reinforce the rapid momentum behind the Kingdom’s Aviation Program and reinforce its status as one of the world’s fastest-growing air travel markets.
Flight movements increased +8.3% to around 980,400, pointing to a recovery that is not only robust but structurally sustainable, GACA contended.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah led the passenger chart with 38% of total traffic, serving an average of 146,000 travellers per day.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh accounted for 29% of passengers, with daily numbers of around 112,000.
Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam also recorded historic increases.
International connectivity from Saudi also reached new highs, with services to 176 global destinations operating at frequencies of 52 flights or more per year.
The country strengthened its position on some of the world’s busiest air international corridors, with Cairo-Jeddah ranking second globally by seat capacity at 5.8 million seats, while Dubai-Riyadh placed seventh with 4.5 million seats. ✈
