Saudia achieves 16pc growth in international traffic in 2024 – ET TravelWorld

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has achieved remarkable growth in its international operations, concluding 2024 with a significant increase in both international and transit passenger numbers. The airline transported 20 million international guests on scheduled and additional flights, reflecting a 16 per cent increase from 2023. Additionally, transit guest numbers surpassed 9.3 million, an impressive 18 per cent growth compared to the previous year.

These milestones highlight Saudia’s commitment to connecting the world to the Kingdom, supporting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of tourism, entertainment, sports, and religious travel, including Hajj and Umrah. In total, Saudia carried 35 million guests in 2024, a 15 per cent year-on-year increase. The airline operated 193,000 flights, representing a 10 per cent rise in flight activity from the previous year. Furthermore, Saudia’s flight hours increased by 8.5 per cent, reaching over 581,000 hours, while its on-time performance rate improved by 2.7 per cent, now standing at 89.1 per cent.

Guest satisfaction saw notable improvements, with Saudia’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) rising by 4.5 per cent, reaching 32.7. This increase reflects enhanced service quality and an improved customer experience. His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, stated, “This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Saudia’s employees and the strategic optimisation of our aircraft fleet to deliver exceptional service.”

In line with its digital transformation, Saudia reported a 40 per cent increase in engagement with its app and a 324 per cent rise in the adoption of its digital services via the Government Digital Wallet (GovClick). Looking ahead, Saudia plans to continue expanding its fleet, increasing seat capacity, and broadening its global network, with a goal to add 118 new aircraft to its current fleet of 147.