Passenger traffic between the UK and Saudi Arabia sees growth

This is more than double the 0.659 million passengers achieved in 2022.

The figures were announced ahead of a 27-29 January Saudi aviation delegation visit to London, headed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Intelligence, Mohammed AlKhuraisi.

UK-Saudi passenger numbers were boosted by British Airways commencing direct flights between Heathrow and Jeddah, whilst national carrier Saudia Airlines also achieved significant expansion. Further growth is planned with Virgin Airways announcing direct flights from Riyadh to Heathrow commencing in March 2025.

GACA executive vice president, Mohammed Al-Khuraisi said: “Saudi Arabia is creating unprecedented growth and investment opportunities for global aviation, including the United Kingdom where both countries are achieving record passenger growth. The United Kingdom’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. GACA is delighted to be leading a Saudi aviation delegation to further strengthen these partnerships and lay the platform for future growth.”