RIYADH: Passenger numbers at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz International Airport hit a record high of 42.7 million in 2023, a 36 percent increase from the previous year.
The total number of flights through the Jeddah-based facility reached 250,000, up 25 percent compared to 2022, which did not exceed 200,000.
Terminal 1 topped the list with 179,900 flights in 2023, a 16 percent increase on the 154,600 seen over the previous 12 months.
According to a 2023 statistical report, KAIA handled more than 33.8 million bags during the year.
The number of international destinations increased by more than 11 percent during 2023 to reach 126 international locations operated to and from the airport, compared to 114 in 2022.
Cairo to Jeddah flights claimed the leading position among worldwide routes, providing 4.8 million seats and standing as the second busiest international route globally.
The course from Riyadh to Jeddah witnessed the highest demand for domestic getaways, providing 7.8 million seats and ranking as the eighth busiest domestic route worldwide.
The figures indicate the swift expansion of operational activity at KAIA, accompanied by efforts to enhance the infrastructure, with the aim of providing an easy and accessible traveler experience.
In 2023, Jeddah Airports experienced a peak in operational traffic on June 22, registering 151,000 passengers, surpassing the busiest day in 2022, which saw 125,000 travelers.
Furthermore, the airport marked its most active week in 2023, from Dec. 24 to 30, with a total of 979,000 passengers.
In comparison, the busiest seven-day period in 2022 occurred from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, which saw 815,000 travelers.
The growth aligns with the significant developmental strides across various sectors in the Kingdom, particularly in the tourism sector.
The increased number of passengers was also driven by facilitating visa procedures of various types, including pilgrims, Umrah performers, and tourists through the airport.
The facility acts as the entrance to the Two Holy Mosques, and its location has positioned it as a crucial departure point for travelers and international airlines.
