Saudi airport operator Cluster2 achieves new record with 1.73m travelers in July

This growth mirrors the broader trend in Saudi Arabia’s air traffic, which saw a 17 percent rise in the first half of 2024, reaching 62 million passengers, up from 53 million in the same period last year, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation. Shutterstock
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Updated 01 October 2024
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Saudi airport operator Cluster2 achieves new record with 1.73m travelers in July

  • Company seeing a surge in traffic as part of its strategy to enhance network sustainability and boost tourism
  • Kingdom’s air traffic saw notable increases, with 446,000 flights in first half of 2024

RIYADH: Cluster2, the Saudi airport operating firm, has set a new passenger milestone by handling 1.73 million travelers in July, marking a 9 percent increase from the previous record set in July 2019. 

Managing 22 airports across Saudi Arabia — including AlUla International, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jazan, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in the Al-Bahah region — the government-operated firm is seeing a surge in traffic as part of its strategy to enhance network sustainability, boost tourism, and improve operational efficiency. 

This growth mirrors the broader trend in Saudi Arabia’s air traffic, which saw a 17 percent rise in the first half of 2024, reaching 62 million passengers, up from 53 million in the same period last year, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

In the first half of 2024, Saudi Arabia’s air traffic saw notable increases, with 446,000 flights — a 12 percent rise from the 399,000 flights recorded in the same period in 2023. Airfreight volume also experienced a substantial boost, reaching 606,000 tonnes, up 41 percent from 430,000 tonnes the previous year. 

Cluster2 highlighted its focus on enhancing the economic impact of its airports and attracting investment. The firm is committed to continually upgrading infrastructure and delivering a superior travel experience. 

“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to providing the finest services and implementing best practices,” the company said in a post on X. 

“Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that traveling through our airports is an unforgettable experience.”

“We treasure your trust and promise continuous improvements and enhanced facilities,” the firm added. 

The company also oversees operations at Najran Airport, Bisha Domestic Airport, Arar Domestic Airport, Sharurah Domestic Airport, and Gurayat Domestic Airport, as well as Dawadmi Airport and Hail International Airport. 

In May, Cluster2 received a prestigious global customer service award from the Airports Council International’s Customer Experience Accreditation for 2024. This accolade underscores the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality service. The ACEA program aids airports in enhancing customer experience through detailed reviews and targeted training, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and staff development.

Established in 2022, Cluster2 operates under Airports Holding Co., an entity formed by royal decree to advance airport development and investment in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.


Closing Bell: Saudi equities continue 4-day upward trend 

Updated 14 January 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi equities continue 4-day upward trend 

RIYADH: Saudi equities closed higher on Wednesday, with the Tadawul All Share Index rising 51.52 points, or 0.47 percent, to finish at 10,945.15. 

Trading activity was robust, with 373.9 million shares exchanged and total turnover reaching SR6.81 billion. 

The MT30 Index also ended the session in positive territory, advancing 11.93 points, or 0.82 percent, to 1,472.82, while the Nomu Parallel Market Index declined 116.82 points, or 0.49 percent, to 23,551.47, reflecting continued volatility in the parallel market.

The main market saw 90 gainers against 171 decliners, indicating selective buying. 

On the upside, Al Kathiri Holding Co. led gainers, closing at SR2.18, up SR0.12, or 5.83 percent. Wafrah for Industry and Development Co. advanced to SR23, gaining SR0.99, or 4.5 percent, while Al Ramz Real Estate Co. rose 4.35 percent to close at SR60.

SABIC Agri-Nutrients Co. added 4.21 percent to SR118.70, and Al Jouf Agricultural Development Co. climbed 4.12 percent to SR45. 

Meanwhile, losses were led by Saudi Industrial Export Co., which fell 9.73 percent to SR2.69. United Cooperative Assurance Co. declined 5.08 percent to SR3.74, while Thimar Development Holding Co. dropped 4.54 percent to SR35.30.  

Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co. retreated 4.15 percent to SR48.50, and Gulf Union Alahlia Cooperative Insurance Co. slipped 3.96 percent to SR10.44. 

On the announcement front, Saudi National Bank announced its intention to issue US dollar-denominated Additional Tier 1 capital notes under its existing international capital programe, with the final size and terms to be determined subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals.  

The planned issuance aims to strengthen Tier 1 capital and support the bank’s broader financial and strategic objectives.  

The stock closed at SR42.70, gaining SR0.70, or 1.67 percent, reflecting positive investor reaction to the capital management move. 

Separately, Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. said its board approved the establishment of a wholly owned simplified joint stock company to provide drilling, exploration and related support services, with a share capital of SR100 million and headquarters in Najran, subject to regulatory approvals.  

The new subsidiary aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance operational efficiency and expand its role in the Kingdom’s mining sector.

Shares of Almasane Alkobra Mining closed at SR98.70, up SR0.30, or 0.3 percent, by the end of the session.