King Khalid International Airport Caps Off 2024 by Surpassing 37 Million Passengers and Ranking First Globally in On-Time Departure Performance
Riyadh, 20 January 2025

King Khalid International Airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, has announced several unprecedented achievements for the year 2024. Among the highlights was strengthening partnerships with a number of international airlines, adding 15 new airlines to its roster. The airport also inaugurated five duty-free zones and opened 29 new retail outlets, catering to the diverse needs of its travelers.

The five duty-free zones, spread across the airport's five terminals, offer passengers a tax-free shopping experience at preferential prices. Additionally, the newly opened 29 outlets include pharmacies, lounges, cafes, and restaurants, enhancing the overall traveler experience.

On the operational front, King Khalid International Airport broke previous records for annual passenger numbers, reaching a total of 37 million passengers by the end of the year. The airport also operated 269,000 flights in 2024, serving 113 domestic and international destinations and handling more than 24 million pieces of luggage. Notably, the airport recorded its busiest day for flights on June 13, with 903 flights, and its busiest day for passenger numbers on August 1, with 131,000 travelers. Furthermore, King Khalid International Airport achieved the #1 global ranking for on-time departure performance, with 86% of flights departing on schedule.

Expressing his pride in these milestones, Mr. Ayman bin Abdulaziz Abuabah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, stated:
"We are delighted with these exceptional achievements, which reflect the rapid growth and development witnessed by King Khalid International Airport. As a leading national facility, the airport stands as a cornerstone of our Kingdom’s broader strategic aspirations, particularly those of Riyadh as the capital city."

He further emphasized:
"These pioneering accomplishments underscore our commitment to achieving outstanding results and supporting our strategic objectives. This is part of our unwavering dedication to realizing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030."