RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, Saudia, saw a 21 percent growth annual growth in passenger numbers in 2023 as it registered over 30 million travelers.
The airline operated more than 176,300 flights, reflecting a 4 percent increase, with transit routes experiencing 77 percent growth compared to 2019, as detailed in a press release.
The accomplishments were attributed to Saudia’s strategic enhancements to its operational model, emphasizing increased seat capacity and flight frequency as well as a focus on operational efficiency.
Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia Group, stated: “Saudia’s growing performance metrics reflect the optimal execution of our year-round operational plan, particularly during peak seasons. These figures are a testament to our success in serving key sectors, including tourism, business, and pilgrimage.”
He added: “Looking ahead, we anticipate a substantial expansion of our fleet, propelling our performance and marking a new chapter for Saudia since its inception 80 years ago.”
In 2023, the airline achieved an on-time performance rate of 86.44 percent, securing a position among the top 10 globally.
Saudia transported over 16.7 million passengers through its international network in 2023, marking a 36 percent increase.
The airline operated more than 79,400 international flights, showing a 19 percent rise from the previous year.
Saudia also recorded a 26 percent increase in air travel hours, totaling 382,000 in 2023.
Domestically, the airline transported over 13.5 million passengers, a 7 percent increase from the previous year, with these journeys accounting for 55 percent of the total flights, totaling 96,900 and 163,000 hours.
In 2023, Saudia inaugurated operations at the Red Sea International Airport and launched several global stations, including in China, the UK, and South Africa, emphasizing its global reach across various continents.
Currently, Saudia operates flights to over 100 destinations across four continents, with a fleet of 142 aircraft.
With strategic investments in King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudia aims to establish a central hub for transit flights bridging the East and West.
This aligns with the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience by adopting the latest digital systems, artificial intelligence technologies, and an upgraded system infrastructure to elevate operational efficiency and punctuality.
