What’s On The Horizon For: Riyadh Airports

Operated by Riyadh Airports Company, King Khalid ­­International Airport (RUH) serves the Saudi capital and connects more than 50 international and domestic airlines to over 100 destinations annually, handling more than 35 million ­­passengers with double digit year-on-year growth.

During Jan-Sept 2024, the airport saw a 29% increase in passenger numbers compared to the same period pre-COVID levels, including a 46% increase of international passengers. This passenger growth is also 18% higher compared to the same period in 2023. July 2024 set a record for RUH with over 3.5 million travelers in a single month, followed by a new single-day record on Aug. 1 with more than 130,000 passengers.

The surge in traffic is attributed to aggressive route development, including the addition of 15 new airlines and more than 25 additional air services in 2024 , of which over 10 were new destinations. RUH was the first Middle Eastern airport to achieve Welcome Chinese certification, a milestone that supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enhancing air connectivity. This accomplishment has led to an array of new services including Air China’s thrice-weekly service between RUH and Beijing in May, China Eastern Airlines launch of direct flights from Shanghai in April, and Air China taking off from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in May.

RUH also recently welcomed the arrival of Cathay Pacific’s service from Hong Kong on 28 Oct 2024 alongside European connectivity flourishing with ITA Airways commencing operations to RUH from Rome and LOT Polish Airlines launching nonstop flights from Warsaw, both in June.

Virgin Atlantic will begin daily flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to RUH in 2025, anticipating a 24% increase in UK-Saudi Arabia air travel from 2019 to 2035. In 2023, flynas linked RUH with Tivat (TIV), Montenegro, and Antalya (AYT), Turkey, for the summer season and added service to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai, in September 2024.

The upcoming launch of Riyadh Air, set to operate from RUH as Saudi Arabia’s second flag carrier, will also significantly expand the airport’s international network.

Speaking at Routes World 2024 Jacopo Tonucci, general manager of aeronautical business development at RUH, said: “These new air services reflect not just our ability to attract new airlines but also our reputation as a reliable and growing airport with the capabilities to cater to global airlines.”

Tonucci sees further growth, with a focus on long-haul services to hub and capital city airports, noting there are promising opportunities for new routes, underserved and unserved, that can enhance its network which are being actively pursued with airline partners.

RUH’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its recent recognition from Airports Council International, having earned Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Level 3 and Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3, reflecting advancements in customer service and environmental sustainability.

The ultimate goal for Riyadh Airports Company is to ensure it continues to play a leading role in supporting the achievement of Vision 2030 targets, making sure that Saudi Arabia secures its place as a key global destination.