A Saudi aviation delegation visit to London at the end of January celebrated record growth in UK aviation traffic to the Kingdom.

Passenger traffic between the UK and Saudi Arabia rose 34 per cent to 1,338 million direct passengers in 2024 – more than double the 0.659 passengers seen in 2022.

Led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi delegation was visiting the UK capital to promote aviation investment opportunities amid phenomenal growth and development in Saudi’s aviation market. Under its “Vision 2030” and Saudi Aviation Strategy, Saudi Arabi is investing heavily in its aviation sector with ambitious airport expansion programme currently underway. The Kingdom’s strategy is unlocking USD100 billion in investment to triple passenger numbers to 330 million per annum. In 2024, Saudi’s passenger numbers rose 15% to 128 million and a 16 per cent increase in connectivity with the Kingdom now flying to 172 destinations on a weekly basis around the world and a 34 per cent increase in cargo volumes.

Jeddah has seen an increase in visitor numbers following the launch of British Airways flights from London, while flag-carrier Saudia Airlines has also achieved significant expansion and Virgin Atlantic is announcing direct flights to Riyadh from London Heathrow in March 2025.

“Saudi Arabia is creating unprecedented growth and investment opportunities for global aviation, including the UK where both countries are achieving record passenger growth,” said GACA Executive VP, Mohammed Al-Khuraisi.

“The UK’s expertise in aviation and infrastructure, combined with the growth agenda of the Saudi Aviation Strategy is delivering new commercial partnerships across our airports, airlines and aviation service sectors.”

Saudi’s Aviation Strategy is progressing bilateral relationships and commercial partnerships with UK players. The Saudi delegation participated in a British Aviation Group roundtable event, engagement with UK companies in the Aviation Supply Forum and a meeting with the British Government and UK’ Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

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