The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced record-breaking passenger growth for the first quarter of 2025, along with surging numbers of airlines and ground handling companies entering the Saudi aviation market. The announcements were made during the 16th Aviation Sector Steering Committee in Jeddah.

Passenger numbers were up 8% to 34.9 million between January and March, marking a significant increase given the month of Ramadan fell during the quarter.

Twenty-one airlines entered the Saudi market over the past year, including China Eastern, Virgin Atlantic, Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA Airways), Eurowings and Air China. More than twenty new routes were established to destinations such as Rome, Hong Kong, and Beijing.

The Committee meeting also featured GACA’s award of a ground handling license to Swissport, expanding the company’s ground handling operations from Riyadh and Jeddah to include Taif, Hail, Sakaka, Yanbu, Tabuk, Abha and Jazan regional airports.

His Excellency, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, GACA President, commented on the announcements: “The Saudi Aviation Strategy is delivering aviation transformation in support of Vision 2030.

“The attraction of airlines and ground service suppliers to Saudi Arabia reflects the unprecedented growth opportunities in the Kingdom, and GACA’s commitment to enhancing competition, choice and value for passengers.”

The 16th Steering Committee meeting, sponsored by Jedco, brought together sector leaders to review progress and updates on the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s implementation, particularly in connectivity and aviation projects, and to review the successes of Q1 2025 and planning for the upcoming Hajj season.

Featured image credited to Saudi