Riyadh airport leads with 82% customer commitment rate in August: GACA

The airport witnessed a rise in commitment rate of 82 percent in August from the 64 percent recorded in April. Shutterstock
Short Url
Updated 17 September 2023
Follow

Riyadh airport leads with 82% customer commitment rate in August: GACA

RIYADH: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has outperformed other air terminals in the Kingdom in service levels and the overall travel experience, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

This Riyadh-based airport, categorized as an air base with a capacity to handle over 15 million passengers annually, has secured the first position by achieving a commitment rate of 82 percent in August.

This rate marks a considerable increase from the 64 percent recorded in April.

The authority has set 14 key performance indicators to evaluate the performance of airports. These KPIs encompass various aspects, including passengers’ waiting times during check-in, security procedures and the duration spent at baggage claims.

Additionally, the study evaluated passport and customs screening areas, besides the accessibility of facilities for individuals with special needs. 

According to the monthly report, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah achieved the second position with a commitment rate of 45 percent, reflecting an increase from the 36 percent recorded in April.

In the second category, which includes international airports in the Kingdom with annual passenger volumes ranging from 5 million to 15 million, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah claimed the top spot with a commitment rate of 82 percent.

Following closely, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam secured a commitment rate of 73 percent, as highlighted in the report.

In the third category, which pertains to international airports in the Kingdom with annual passenger volumes ranging from 2 million to 5 million, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan claimed the top position with a commitment rate of 88 percent.

The report also showed that Abha International Airport achieved a commitment rate of 75 percent in August.

In the fourth category, AlUla International Airport took the top position. Despite handling fewer than 2 million passengers annually, it achieved a 100 percent commitment rate, surpassing other airports in terms of total average waiting times for departure and flight arrival.

In the fifth category, which encompasses domestic airports, Najran Airport emerged as the leader with a 100 percent commitment rate. It outperformed all competing airports in average waiting time for departure and flight arrival.


Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

Updated 28 February 2026
Follow

Major airlines suspend, reroute flights amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

  • Saudia says decision taken in line with aviation safety and security standards
  • Emirates said it temporarily suspended it's operations out of Dubai

RIYADH: Major international airlines across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended, canceled or rerouted flights following ongoing US-Israel attacks on Iran and the resulting airspace closures, according to official statements issued via X.

Saudia said in an official statement that it had canceled a number of flights due to developments in the region and the closure of airspace.

The airline said the decision was taken in line with aviation safety and security standards, noting that its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments with relevant authorities.

Saudia urged passengers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport and said guests would be notified of updates through the contact details associated with their bookings.

The carrier added that further information would be announced in a subsequent statement if available.

Air Arabia said its flights were experiencing cancellations, delays or rerouting as a result of the evolving situation and airspace closures.

The airline advised passengers to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport by visiting its website or contacting its call center.

Customers booked on affected flights will be notified directly, the airline said, adding that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Air India announced a broader suspension, stating that “in view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended.”

The airline said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew and will continue to assess the safety and security environment for flight operations, adjusting services proactively as required.

Air India said its teams would extend necessary support to passengers and advised customers to check flight status online or contact its 24/7 call center for assistance.  

All flight operations at Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International are suspended until further notice, according to a post by Dubai Media Office on X.

Dubai-based Emirates reported that regional airspace closures had caused disruption to several of its flights and that the airline had temporarily suspended its operations from its hub Dubai.

The airline said it is actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments. 

The carrier apologized to affected customers and said it is assisting them with rebooking, refunds or alternative travel arrangements, reiterating that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.  

Qatar Airways confirmed a temporary suspension of flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

The airline said it is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations once the airspace reopens.

It warned that delays are anticipated when usual operations resume and said additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist passengers.  

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that British Airways had canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain, adding to the list of carriers adjusting operations.

Across their statements, airlines consistently cited airspace closures and safety considerations as the primary reasons for suspensions and disruptions, while urging passengers to monitor official channels for updates as the situation continues to evolve.