Saudi Arabia's air cargo industry took flight in 2023, registering a robust 7% increase in volume compared to the previous year. This positive trend, revealed in a recent report by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), reflects a broader resurgence in the Kingdom's aviation sector.
According to GACA's data, Saudi Arabian airports handled a total of 918,000 tonnes of air cargo in 2023. This growth complements the significant rebound observed in passenger travel, which witnessed a 26% year-on-year surge. The report further highlights a notable rise in overall flight activity, with the number of flights traversing the Kingdom's airspace increasing by 16% compared to 2022.
GACA's figures indicate that Saudi Arabian airports facilitated a combined 394,000 international and 421,000 domestic air cargo journeys in 2023. This upswing aligns with the Kingdom's flourishing travel and tourism sector, which attracted a record-breaking 61 million international visitors and 51 million domestic travelers last year. These figures translate to a bustling travel hub with King Abdulaziz International Airport reigning supreme as the nation's busiest airport, handling an impressive 30 flights per hour.
Experts attribute the burgeoning air cargo sector to several factors. The Kingdom's strategic geographic location serves as a critical link for global trade routes, facilitating efficient movement of goods between continents. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's ongoing economic diversification efforts are fostering the development of new industries, many of which rely on efficient air cargo services for the import and export of vital materials.
The robust growth in air cargo volume presents a multitude of opportunities for the Saudi Arabian economy. It strengthens the Kingdom's position as a key logistics hub in the region, attracting further foreign investment and creating high-value jobs within the aviation and logistics sectors. This upward trajectory is likely to continue as Saudi Arabia implements its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which prioritizes the development of a diversified and knowledge-based economy.
GACA's report underscores the positive momentum propelling Saudi Arabia's aviation industry. The burgeoning air cargo sector, coupled with the resurgence in passenger travel, paints a promising picture for the Kingdom's economic future.