King Abdulaziz International Airport Handles 5.45 Million Passengers in January, Marking Strong Start to 2026

King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) began 2026 on a strong note, welcoming 5.45 million passengers in January, a 7.3 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Flight movements at the airport rose 11 percent to 29,200, while total baggage throughput increased eight percent to 6.6 million items.

The airport recorded its busiest operational week from January 11 to 17, serving 1.28 million travelers. Passenger numbers peaked on January 17, marking the airport’s busiest single day ever with 195,300 travelers and 1,089 flights. The milestone underscores KAIA’s operational efficiency and its ability to manage growing travel demand.

These results reflect the ongoing efforts of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO) to enhance passenger experiences, expand travel options, and accommodate rising air traffic in line with the National Aviation Program and Saudi Vision 2030. Since its establishment in 2022, JEDCO has overseen KAIA’s operations, driving initiatives under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

KAIA achieved a historic milestone in 2025, handling 53.4 million passengers, the highest annual total ever recorded at a Saudi airport. The airport also managed 310,000 flights, 60.4 million bags, 9.57 million Zamzam water containers, and 2,968 cargo flights, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. These figures highlight the airport’s transformation into a regional hub and national gateway, connecting Saudi Arabia to global markets and supporting the Kingdom’s growing tourism and pilgrimage sectors.

The January milestone is part of a broader trend of growth across Saudi airports. In 2025, total passenger traffic in the Kingdom reached approximately 140.9 million, including 76 million international and 65 million domestic travelers. Flight movements rose 8.3 percent to around 980,400, demonstrating the sector’s sustained recovery and rapid expansion.

KAIA accounted for 38 percent of the Kingdom’s total passenger traffic, averaging 146,000 passengers per day and operating at 107 percent of its capacity. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh handled 29 percent of passengers, with a daily average of 112,000, while Madinah and Dammam airports also recorded historic surges, operating at 137 percent and 112 percent of capacity, respectively.

The airport’s performance reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy, promote tourism, and strengthen global connectivity under Vision 2030. By combining modern infrastructure, advanced operational capabilities, and strategic planning, KAIA continues to serve as a vital gateway for travelers and pilgrims, supporting the Kingdom’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the region.