Saudia Achieves Milestone with 30 Million Passengers in 2023 Amid Operational Expansion
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has reported remarkable growth in 2023, with a significant increase in passenger transport and operational performance. The airline successfully transported over 30 million passengers last year, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. This growth is complemented by an operational upsurge, with more than 176.3 thousand flights conducted, representing a 4% rise. Notably, transit flights experienced a substantial 77% growth compared to 2019, highlighting Saudia’s expanding role in global aviation connectivity.
The airline has focused on enhancing seat capacity and flight frequency, alongside operational efficiency improvements. These efforts have culminated in an impressive on-time performance rate of 86.44% for 2023, placing Saudia among the top 10 airlines globally for punctuality.
On the international front, Saudia has been instrumental in connecting the global community to the Kingdom, transporting over 16.7 million passengers through its extensive international network. This reflects a significant 36% increase, with the airline operating over 79.4 thousand international flights, up by 19% from the previous year. Flight hours have also seen a boost, with a 26% increase totaling 382 thousand hours.
Domestically, Saudia has continued to strengthen its services within the Kingdom, carrying over 13.5 million passengers and showing a 7% growth. Domestic flights represented 55% of Saudia’s total operations, with 96.9 thousand flights and 163 thousand flight hours dedicated to serving domestic destinations.
2023 also marked the inauguration of flights to the new Red Sea International Airport, alongside the launch of new international routes to Beijing, Birmingham, and Johannesburg. These expansions are part of Saudia’s commitment to broadening its reach and connecting Saudi Arabia with the world.
Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia Group, emphasized the airline’s strategic operational planning and its role in supporting key sectors such as tourism, business, and pilgrimage travel. Looking forward, Saudia anticipates further fleet expansion, signaling a new era of growth and innovation for the airline as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.
This operational success story not only showcases Saudia’s dedication to excellence and global connectivity but also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader goals of enhancing its aviation sector and becoming a leading hub for travel and tourism.