Saudia Achieves 25% Growth In International Guests In First Quarter Of 2024

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, announced a strong performance for Q1 2024, recording a 19% year-over-year increase in the total number of guests during the first quarter, along with growth in operational rates. According to Saudia’s Q1 2024 performance report, the airline transported over 8.3 million guests across domestic and international destinations. This positive trend was supported by an 11% increase in scheduled and additional flights, totaling 46.8 thousand while flight hours climbed by 13% to 144.7 thousand. Additionally, Saudia maintained a commendable flight on-time performance of 89.3%.

On the international front, Saudia experienced robust growth, with the number of guests increasing by 25% to exceed 4.7 million. This growth was supported by a 13% increase in the number of international flights, totaling 20.9 thousand, and a 15% rise in flight hours, reaching 100.7 thousand, while international flight punctuality remained high at 86.5%. Domestic operations also showed solid growth, with an 11% increase in the number of guests, reaching 3.6 million, and a 9% rise in flight activity, totaling 25.9 thousand flights. Domestic flight hours increases by 9% to 44 thousand, while maintaining a strong on-time performance of 91.5%.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, affirmed that the increase in flights and exceptional operational efficiency are cornerstones for the new era of Saudia, aligning perfectly with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services. The increase of 25% in international guests also reiterates Saudia’s strategy to bring the world to the Kingdom.

H.E Al-Omar also pointed to the importance of continuous improvement in anticipation for the Hajj 1445 AH season, and the upcoming summer season, which requires mobilizing all resources and operating at full capacity.

Saudia’s operations connect the world to the Kingdom through an extensive network of over 100 destinations across four continents, supported by a fleet of 143 aircraft. Planned fleet expansion in the coming years will enable Saudia to increase flight numbers and seat capacity, while offering access to new international destinations, aiming to support the serving of Hajj and Umrah sectors, tourism, finance, business, entertainment, and sports industries.