With an 88.22% on-time arrival rate in June 2024, Saudi Arabia’s national airline topped the list of all airlines worldwide, according to updated data from independent aviation tracking website Cirium.
In addition, Saudia operated 16,133 flights to over 100 destinations on four continents, with an on-time departure percentage of 88.73%.
The achievement is noteworthy as June is a popular month for travel because of the summer travel season and the yearly Hajj pilgrimage by Muslims. This year’s Hajj season brought almost two million tourists to the Kingdom.
According to the same report, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh also took the top spot for the world’s most on-time performance in June for the second consecutive month.
This is happening amid Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry, which is steadily expanding and will boost its standing as a major worldwide tourism destination by adding USD 21 billion to its GDP in 2023.
The objective of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy is to elevate the GDP contribution of the aviation sector from its present 6% to 10% by the year 2030.
Saudia Group Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar said, “This accomplishment is a realisation of our strategic goals to enhance operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight scheduling and the implementation of the best digital solutions and systems for operations management.”
He went on to say that it takes a lot of work to maintain a high standard of on-time performance in the aviation sector. These problems include bad weather, intense heat, technical difficulties, and other aspects relating to the airport.
Since 2023, Saudia has continuously been among the top 10 airlines in the world for on-time performance, which the firm said reflects its dedication to high standards and aviation safety.
One of the biggest integrated operation control centres in the Middle East oversees its operations. It makes use of cutting-edge aircraft communications technology to make sure that everything runs smoothly. It does this by continuously monitoring all takeoff and landing procedures at both domestic and international airports.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Ayman Aboabah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Co., “King Khalid International Airport’s top ranking by Cirium demonstrates its dedication to operational excellence and acts as a motivator for ongoing improvements.”
“This excellence is a reflection of our dedication to both operational effectiveness and quality. It encourages us to keep working with different partners at King Khalid International Airport to provide our customers with the greatest possible travel experience and the best calibre of services,” he continued.
In keeping with the goals of “Vision 2030,” Aboabah added, “King Khalid International Airport stands as a national landmark, showcasing the Kingdom’s position and future aspirations.”
He emphasised the value of his employees’ unwavering dedication to the highest operating standards, which he described as a defining quality of the airport’s workforce, as well as their ongoing efforts to improve the passenger experience.
King Khalid International Airport was named the world’s most punctual airport in January 2024 after Cirium had ranked it in third place. The airport made significant gains recently, moving up to the top spot in May and staying there in June.