King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, achieved a landmark year in 2024, surpassing all previous records in passenger and flight traffic.
The airport witnessed a remarkable 14% surge in passenger numbers, serving over 49.1 million travelers, a significant milestone in its history. This unprecedented growth was accompanied by an 11% increase in flight operations, exceeding 278,000 flights.
Furthermore, KAIA handled a staggering 47.1 million bags, reflecting a substantial 21% increase in operational throughput. This remarkable performance culminated in a record-breaking day on December 31, 2024, when the airport welcomed more than 174,600 passengers.
The entire month of December 2024 also set a new benchmark, with passenger numbers exceeding 4.7 million.
Accelerated Operational Growth
Eng. Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports, attributed this exceptional achievement to the airport’s accelerated operational growth, fueled by the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s leadership and the close guidance of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.
He emphasized the ongoing infrastructure development initiatives at JED, underscoring the company’s ambitious vision to establish the airport as a global aviation hub.
This vision encompasses enhancing the passenger experience while simultaneously serving as a crucial gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, thereby stimulating tourism and trade within the Kingdom.
Johar expressed his sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, including government and private sector entities, for their invaluable contributions and collaborative efforts in delivering world-class services that align with the Kingdom’s aspirations.
King Abdulaziz International Airport: A Hub in the Making
Situated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Airport is the country’s second-largest airport after King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. It serves as a vital gateway to the holy city of Mecca, attracting millions of pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah.
The airport boasts a modern and expansive infrastructure, including multiple terminals equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. These include check-in counters, baggage handling systems, security checkpoints, and comfortable lounges.
The airport also features a dedicated Hajj terminal to accommodate the influx of pilgrims during the Hajj season.
JED plays a crucial role in connecting Saudi Arabia to the world, facilitating international travel and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth.
Looking Forward
The record-breaking performance in 2024 underscores the Jeddah airport’s growing importance as a major international aviation hub. The airport continues to invest heavily in infrastructure upgrades and service enhancements to further improve passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Future plans include expanding terminal capacity, upgrading air traffic control systems, and enhancing ground handling services. These initiatives aim to position JED as a leading global airport. It will be capable of handling the increasing demand for air travel in the region and beyond.
King Abdulaziz International Airport now enters the new year with momentum after the exceptional performance in 2024. It marks an important waypoint in its journey towards becoming a leading global aviation hub.
The airport’s commitment to continuous improvement is backed by the strong support of the Saudi government. This positions it well for continued growth and success in the year to come.
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