Saudi Arabia's Jeddah airport soars to top three in Middle East airport rankings
The ranking was announced at the Air Connectivity Conference 2025, held in Shanghai, where the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East unveiled its annual index.
KAIA followed Dubai International Airport and Qatar's Hamad International Airport in the regional rankings, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
This recognition underscores both KAIA's growing operational capacity and Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 goal of transforming the Kingdom into a leading logistics and transportation center. As part of that strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to handle 330 million passengers annually, connect to 250 international destinations, and transport 4.5 million tonnes of cargo by 2030.
Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co., said the latest ranking reflects the airport's progress in expanding its air network and enhancing connectivity.
'This milestone demonstrates our commitment to operational excellence and aligns with our strategy to establish KAIA as a pivotal global hub,' he said in a statement to SPA.
Johar noted that the airport's improved ranking is a result of sustained efforts to boost competitiveness, upgrade infrastructure, and elevate passenger experience in line with national transport goals.
KAIA also held the third spot in the 2023 edition of the index, announced during ACI's annual assembly in Riyadh.
As part of its long-term development plans, JEDCO is implementing upgrades aligned with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. These enhancements aim to increase KAIA's passenger capacity to 114 million annually by the end of the decade.
In 2024, KAIA served 49.1 million passengers — up 14 percent from 2023 — marking the highest annual passenger volume recorded by any airport in the Kingdom. The busiest day was December 31, when over 174,600 passengers passed through the airport. December also set a monthly record, with traffic exceeding 4.7 million passengers.
In the Asia-Pacific rankings, Shanghai Pudong International Airport claimed the top spot, followed by Incheon International Airport in South Korea and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Hong Kong International Airport was recognized as the most improved airport in terms of connectivity across both regions.
Headquartered in Hong Kong with a regional office in Riyadh, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East represents airports in some of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. The Airport Connectivity Index— developed with PwC in 2023 and refined in its third edition — measures network scale, frequency, destination economic weight, and connection efficiency.
According to ACI, air connectivity in the Middle East grew 28 percent year on year, while Asia-Pacific saw a 13 percent increase, reflecting a 14 percent average growth across both regions. These gains signal a robust post-pandemic recovery and the continued momentum of global air travel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA signs MoU with AAMI to strengthen medical device standards and innovation
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), aiming to enhance collaboration in the medical device sector, with a focus on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The agreement was signed at the SFDA headquarters in Riyadh during a visit by an AAMI delegation led by Chairman of the Board Walt Rosebrough. The delegation reviewed the SFDA's ongoing efforts in the regulation and development of the medical devices sector and held meetings with senior officials. The MoU was signed by Eng. Ali Al-Dalaan, SFDA Vice President for the Medical Devices Sector, and Robert Burrows, AAMI's Executive Director of Learning and Development. The agreement outlines joint cooperation across several key areas, including the development of medical device standards, exchange of scientific and technical information, and consultation on regulatory and industry two sides also plan to collaborate on educational programs, organize joint events, and coordinate participation in international technical is a globally recognized authority in developing consensus-based standards for medical technology and serves as a trusted source for scientific education and partnership aligns with the SFDA's goal to collaborate with international organizations in building regulatory and technical MoU supports the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the initiatives under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, by promoting innovation, strengthening quality standards, and enabling the growth of the Kingdom's medical technology ecosystem.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global is considering a range of alternative financing options in the near future, including an initial public offering or converting assets into real estate investment trusts, according to its chief executive officer. Speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah, John Pagano said no final decisions have been made, but emphasized the company's focus on leveraging current momentum, with resorts now operational and more hotel openings expected this year. Shoura Island, the flagship of the Red Sea destination, will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts operated by global hospitality brands, including Rosewood, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, EDITION, and Raffles. Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is also progressing rapidly, with core infrastructure complete and its first hotels nearing launch, Pagano said. Six resorts have opened under the Red Sea destination so far, including Desert Rock and Shebara, which are fully owned and operated by Red Sea Global. The exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat has also been unveiled as the company's third destination. Red Sea Global has also launched residential offerings on Shoura and Ummhat islands, in addition to announcing Lahak Island earlier this year, which drew strong local and international attention, he said. Amaala is set to open by year-end and will feature wellness and hospitality brands such as Jayasom, Six Senses, Rosewood, Equinox, and Clinique La Prairie. The destination aims to deliver experiences centered on healing, exploration, and renewal.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom's cafe sector
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's imports of Japanese matcha skyrocketed by nearly 900 percent in 2023 to 81,000 kilograms at a value at SR9 million ($2.40 million), up from just 9,000 kilograms in 2022, highlighting the rapid expansion of the drink's market presence across the Kingdom. The momentum continued into 2024, with imports totaling 46,000 kilograms worth SR7 million, reflecting sustained consumer demand and the growing role of matcha in the Kingdom's cafe sector, Al-Eqtisadiah reported. Cafes are capitalizing on the trend, with Jon & Vinny's in Riyadh reporting weekend sales of 350 matcha cups per branch, making up 22 percent of beverage revenues, according to Al-Eqtisadiah. The cafe uses a premium Japanese blend priced at SR1,200 per kilogram. Similarly, Pro 92 Cafe said matcha lattes alone contribute 10.5 percent of total sales, consuming over 150 kilograms of matcha monthly across branches. The broader green tea category — which includes matcha — accounted for SR74 million in Saudi imports in 2024, totaling 2.3 million kilograms. In comparison, 2023 saw 2.5 million kilograms imported at a value of SR79 million, Al-Eqtisadiah reported. Cups of matcha are sold at prices ranging from SR16 to SR29, depending on the outlet. This price variation has spurred a growing home-preparation market, with local Instagram-based businesses selling matcha kits priced between SR110 and SR180. Driven by health-conscious consumers and youth interest in Japanese culture, matcha is carving out a permanent share in the Kingdom's beverage landscape.
