Saudi Arabia’s airports handled a total of 140.9 million passengers in 2025, marking a 9.6 percent increase compared with 2024, according to the latest air transport statistics bulletin issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

The report showed that international flights accounted for 75.8 million arriving and departing passengers, reflecting a 9.4 percent year-on-year rise. Meanwhile, domestic flights served 65.1 million passengers, up 9.8 percent from the previous year.

Among the Kingdom’s airports, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded the highest passenger volume at 53.5 million, followed by King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with 40.8 million, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam with 13.7 million.

Average daily passenger movement reached 178,600 on domestic flights and 207,700 on international routes, underscoring continued expansion in air travel demand.

The total number of arriving and departing flights across Saudi airports rose to 979,800 in 2025, an 8.3 percent increase compared with 2024. Of these, 506,300 were domestic flights, up 6.8 percent, while 473,500 were international flights, marking a stronger 9.9 percent annual growth.

At the airport level, King Abdulaziz International Airport also led in flight operations with 314,400 flights, followed by King Khalid International Airport with 296,800, and King Fahd International Airport with 108,500.

The report added that the average daily number of domestic flights reached 1,387, slightly higher than the 1,297 international flights operated per day.

Saudi Arabia also expanded its international aviation links in 2025. The number of countries connected to the Kingdom through international airports increased to 66, representing a 1.5 percent rise, while destinations served climbed to 176, up 2.3 percent from 2024.

In airline market share, Saudia Airlines ranked first among carriers operating in Saudi airspace with 25.5 percent, followed by flynas at 13.3 percent and Flyadeal at 8.6 percent.

Globally, Saudi Arabia ranked 18th in the 2025 air connectivity index, slipping one position from 17th place in 2024.

GASTAT said the bulletin was prepared using administrative data from public and private sector entities, with figures undergoing detailed statistical review and verification procedures to maintain accuracy, reliability and quality before publication.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said on Thursday that Arab and international airlines will gradually resume operations at Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport beginning June 1, as the country moves toward restoring full air traffic activity after recent disruptions.

Chairman of the Authority, Sheikh Engineer Hamoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, credited Kuwait’s leadership for its continued support of the aviation sector. He expressed appreciation to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah; and His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, for backing efforts to strengthen and modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure.

According to Sheikh Hamoud, flight operations will resume in stages under a structured implementation plan intended to confirm technical preparedness and logistical efficiency. He said the phased approach is designed to maintain orderly air traffic movement and uphold strict passenger safety standards, with ongoing assessments at each phase before reaching full operating capacity.

The return of Arab and foreign carriers follows the completion of extensive repair, rehabilitation and development work at major airport facilities. Authorities said the upgrades included improvements to infrastructure, systems and broader operational readiness across Kuwait International Airport.

GACA also confirmed that all required enhancements at Terminal 1 have now been finalized. The main passenger terminal has undergone redesign measures intended to improve passenger movement while preserving high security and safety standards.

Sheikh Hamoud pointed to a recent inspection visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who reviewed progress at Terminal 1 and examined the latest completed developments. The visit was attended by Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Salem Al-Sabah and senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority.

During the visit, officials delivered a detailed briefing covering repair, rehabilitation and modernization projects carried out by the Authority, particularly following recent Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait International Airport. The presentation also addressed the proposed operational roadmap for the return of foreign airlines, as well as preparations linked to this year’s Hajj flight schedule.

In his closing remarks, Sheikh Hamoud praised the cooperation of government agencies working at the airport, including the Ministry of Interior and the General Administration of Customs. He also commended aviation authority staff for maintaining airport operations during what he described as exceptional circumstances.

Source: ZAWYA

Flight activity at Hamad International Airport is steadily increasing as the airport prepares for the busy summer travel season, according to an update issued on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

The airport said that its operations are expanding in coordination with airline partners and relevant authorities, with over 30 carriers currently running services to and from Doha.

In its latest statement, Hamad International Airport outlined a phased schedule showing when additional airlines have resumed or expanded services throughout 2026:

• May 1, 2026: Air India, Air India Express, Gulf Air, IndiGo
• May 4, 2026: Ethiopian Airlines
• May 5, 2026: Saudia
• May 7, 2026: Kuwait Airways
• May 11, 2026: SriLankan Airlines
• May 12, 2026: Pegasus Airlines
• May 14, 2026: Pakistan International Airlines
• May 17, 2026: Kam Air
• May 19, 2026: Flynas
• May 21, 2026: Jazeera Airways
• June 2, 2026: RwandAir
• June 9, 2026: Turkish Airlines
• June 15, 2026: Virgin Australia
• July 1, 2026: Royal Air Maroc
• July 2, 2026: Malaysia Airlines

The airport authority emphasized that all flight operations are being carried out in line with regulatory requirements and in close coordination with airline partners. It also noted that schedules remain subject to change, including possible adjustments or cancellations depending on operational circumstances.

Source: ZAWYA