Tourism Breaking News
Achieving a 16% increase in international traffic and an 18% growth in transit guests
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has concluded 2024 with remarkable growth in its international operations, as highlighted in its latest performance report.
The airline transported 20 million international guests on scheduled and additional flights, representing a 16 per cent increase compared to 2023. Transit guest numbers also surpassed 9.3 million, an impressive annual growth of 18 per cent.
These milestones underscore Saudia’s unwavering commitment to connecting the world to the Kingdom while contributing to Saudi Vision 2030’s goals in tourism, entertainment, sports, and Hajj and Umrah.
In total, Saudia carried 35 million guests throughout 2024, reflecting a 15 per cent year-on-year increase. The airline operated 193,000 scheduled and additional flights, a 10 per cent growth compared to the previous year. Additionally, Saudia achieved an 8.5 per cent increase in flight hours, totalling over 581,000 hours, while maintaining an on-time performance rate of 89.1 per cent, a 2.7 per cent improvement. Guest satisfaction also saw a notable rise, with the Net Promoter Score (NPS) reaching 32.7, a 4.5 per cent increase, indicating enhanced satisfaction and an improved likelihood of recommending Saudia to others.
His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General, Saudia Group, said, “Operating in the competitive aviation industry demands a constantly evolving strategy. Saudia is committed to achieving sustainable operational excellence while adhering to the highest international standards. This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Saudia’s employees and the strategic optimisation of our aircraft fleet to deliver exceptional service. We have also made significant strides in enhancing our services and enriching the overall guest experience.”
As part of its ongoing digital transformation, Saudia reported a significant increase in guest engagement with modern technologies. Usage of the Saudia app rose by 40 per cent, while the Government Digital Wallet (GovClick) contributed to a staggering 324 per cent growth in digital service adoption.
Looking ahead, Saudia plans to further enhance its operational model, particularly during peak travel seasons, by expanding its fleet, increasing seat capacity, and extending its global network. With a current fleet of 147 aircraft, Saudia aims to add 118 new aircraft in the coming years as part of its ambitious growth strategy.
