Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has concluded 2024 with impressive growth in its international operations, marking a milestone in its journey towards becoming a global aviation leader. The airline reported a 16 per cent increase in international traffic, carrying 20 million international passengers and witnessing an 18 per cent rise in transit guests, surpassing 9.3 million for the year.
These achievements align with Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambitions in tourism, entertainment, sports, and religious travel, including Hajj and Umrah. Overall, Saudia transported 35 million passengers in 2024, recording a 15 per cent year-on-year growth.
Operational Excellence and Service Enhancement
Saudia operated 193,000 flights in 2024, an increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year, and recorded over 581,000 flight hours, an 8.5 per cent rise. The airline also maintained an on-time performance (OTP) rate of 89.1 per cent, reflecting a 2.7 per cent improvement from 2023.
Customer satisfaction saw a positive trajectory, with the airline’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) reaching 32.7, a 4.5 per cent increase, underscoring improved service quality and passenger recommendations.
His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, stated, “Operating in the competitive aviation industry demands a constantly evolving strategy. Saudia is committed to achieving sustainable operational excellence while adhering to the highest international standards. 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. We have also made significant strides in enhancing our services and enriching the overall guest experience.”
Digital Transformation and Future Growth
As part of its ongoing digital transformation, engagement with Saudia’s mobile app surged by 40 per cent, while the airline saw a 324 per cent increase in digital service adoption via the Government Digital Wallet (GovClick). These advancements underscore Saudia’s commitment to modernising the passenger experience through technology.
Looking ahead, Saudia aims to expand its fleet by 118 new aircraft, further increasing seat capacity and enhancing connectivity during peak travel seasons. The airline currently operates 147 aircraft and plans to bolster its global network as part of its long-term growth strategy.
Global Recognition and Industry Achievements
Saudia continues to gain international recognition, securing the “World Class Airline 2025” award for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™. Additionally, it climbed 11 places in the Skytrax World’s Best Airlines 2023 ranking and was recognised for its industry-leading on-time performance by Cirium.
With its ongoing efforts to enhance service excellence and expand its global footprint, Saudia is poised to strengthen its position as a leading carrier in the Middle East and beyond. 
