Saudia Flies 37 Million Passengers in 2025 as Saudi Aviation Sector Accelerates Growth

Nabeel Jamal

Karachi/Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, carried more than 37 million passengers in 2025, posting strong year-on-year growth as the Kingdom pushes ahead with its aviation and tourism expansion plans under Vision 2030.

The airline operated over 203,900 flights during the year, reflecting increased travel demand across both domestic and international routes.

Officials said passenger traffic rose by around 2.5 million travelers compared to last year, driven by new destinations, higher seat capacity, and improved operations.

Stronger global connectivity

Saudia continued to expand its international network, connecting Saudi Arabia with major cities across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

The broader route map supports the Kingdom’s strategy to position itself as a global transit hub for business, tourism, and religious travel.

The airline also enhanced schedules and connections to reduce travel times and improve passenger convenience.

Fleet upgrades and punctuality

As part of its modernization program, Saudia invested in fleet upgrades to improve fuel efficiency and reliability.

The carrier reported better on-time performance (OTP) and smoother airport operations. It also introduced digital services aimed at simplifying bookings, check-ins, and customer support.

Saudia remains a member of the SkyTeam alliance, allowing travelers access to a wider international network through partner airlines.

Backing Vision 2030 goals

The airline’s growth aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets to diversify the economy and boost tourism.

Authorities aim to significantly increase annual passenger numbers, strengthen logistics capacity, and attract more international visitors in the coming years.

With higher traffic, improved efficiency, and expanded routes, Saudia is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s rapidly growing aviation market.