King Abdulaziz Airport enters the list of mega airports with 53 million passengers
In a move reflecting the significant boom in the aviation and air transport sector in Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah achieved a new historical milestone, announcing that it served more than 53.4 million passengers in a single year. This record not only placed it at the top of the list of Saudi airports but also officially earned it a place in the global "Mega Airports" club, a ranking that includes the largest international airports in terms of traffic volume and operations.
Record figures reflect operational efficiency
The achievement wasn't limited to passenger numbers alone; operational indicators also included remarkable figures confirming the airport's high level of readiness. A total of 310,000 flights were operated, reflecting precise scheduling and air traffic management. Regarding ground services, approximately 60.4 million bags were handled, representing a 12% increase compared to previous periods.
Regarding services provided to pilgrims, given the airport's status as a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, 9.57 million bottles of blessed Zamzam water were handled. Air cargo traffic also saw significant activity, recording 2,968 flights, further solidifying Jeddah's position as a vital logistics hub.
Strategic importance and economic context
This achievement cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030. King Abdulaziz International Airport is a vital artery connecting East and West, and a cornerstone of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub linking three continents. This rapid growth also directly supports the objectives of the tourism sector and the Hajj and Umrah Service Program, as the Kingdom seeks to increase its capacity to accommodate pilgrims, Umrah performers, and tourists from around the world.
The airport’s entry into the list of “mega airports” reflects the success of ongoing expansion and development plans, especially after the full operation of Terminal 1, which provided a smart and advanced travel experience, contributing to accommodating these millions of passengers with high efficiency.
Official statements and future aspirations
Commenting on this milestone, Eng. Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Company, affirmed that reaching the 53.4 million passenger mark is practical proof of the airport's operational efficiency and the capabilities of its staff. He indicated that this figure represents a starting point for a new phase aimed at doubling passenger numbers in the coming years, in line with national aspirations.
He attributed the success first and foremost to God's grace, followed by the unwavering support of the wise leadership and the diligent oversight of the Minister of Transport and Logistics and the Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation. He concluded by thanking all partners from the public and private sectors who worked as a unified team to provide the best possible services to travelers, and affirmed the continued commitment to strengthening the airport's position as a global aviation hub.
