Saudi mining firm AMAK to start commercial operation of Moyeath project in Q1 2024  

Saudi mining firm AMAK to start commercial operation of Moyeath project in Q1 2024  

Saudia records 52% jump in international flyers as Kingdom aims to become global transit hub

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global transit hub has seen Saudia clocking 52 percent growth in international passengers, with 7.4 million guests transported during the first half of 2023.  

The airline operated 37,600 flights during the first six months of the year, marking a 30 percent growth over the same period last year, as the Kingdom’s flag carrier expanded its reach to four continents. 

This accumulated to 180,700 flight hours, recording a 40 percent increase compared to previous periods, the airline said in its latest report for the first half of 2023.  

As part of the Saudi aviation strategy, the Kingdom aims to triple its annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030, connecting more than 250 destinations across 29 airports. 

Saudia, in its report, also revealed that it transported 6.3 million passengers on domestic routes, with 47,700 flights, accumulating 80,800 flight hours. 

The national airline transported 13.7 million passengers on domestic and international routes in the first half of 2023, representing a 24 percent increase compared to the same period last year.  

During the same period, Saudia added three new international destinations: Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Gatwick International Airport in London and Nice in France.  

Additionally, the airline welcomed its first Airbus A321neo, marking the beginning of its fleet expansion plan that will add 20 new aircraft of the same model by 2026.  

Saudia’s fleet currently stands at 140 including 33 Boeing 777-300ER, 13 Boeing