RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's national carrier has topped the list of global airlines as it achieved an 88.22 percent on-time arrival rate in June, according to new data from independent flight tracking site Cirium.
Saudi Arabia also recorded an on-time departure rate of 88.73 percent, while operating 16,133 flights across its network of over 100 destinations on four continents.
The success is significant given that June is a peak travel month due to the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage and the summer travel season. The Kingdom saw around 2 million visitors during the Hajj season this year.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh also secured the top position for most on-time performance globally in June for the second consecutive month, according to the same report.
This comes amid steady growth in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector, which contributed $21 billion to the kingdom's gross domestic product by 2023, strengthening its status as a global tourism hub.
The national transport and logistics strategy aims to increase the aviation industry's GDP contribution from the current 6 percent to 10 percent by 2030.
Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “This achievement is a realization of our strategic goals to improve operational efficiency and quality through continuous improvements in flight planning and implementation of the best digital solutions and systems for operations management.”
He added: “Maintaining a high level of on-time performance requires significant effort, as it involves overcoming many operational challenges in the aviation industry, such as weather conditions, high temperatures, technical problems and other airport-related factors.”
Saudia has consistently ranked among the top 10 global airlines for on-time performance since last year, reflecting its commitment to high-quality standards and flight safety, the company said.
Its operations are coordinated through one of the largest integrated operations control centers in the Middle East, which uses the latest aircraft communication technology to ensure smooth operations by monitoring all procedures related to aircraft take-off and landing in real time at all domestic and international airports.
King Khalid International Airport's top ranking by Cirium underscores its commitment to operational excellence and serves as a catalyst for ongoing improvements, said Ayman Aboabah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Co., Saudi Press Agency reported.
“This excellence reflects our commitment to quality and operational efficiency. It motivates us to continue working with various partners at King Khalid International Airport to deliver the best travel experience and the highest level of service to our passengers,” he added.
“King Khalid International Airport stands as a national landmark, showing the Kingdom's status and future aspirations in line with Vision 2030 goals,” Aboabah also said.
He emphasized the importance of his staff's commitment to the highest operational standards, which he said was a defining characteristic of the airport's staff, and their continuous efforts to improve passenger experiences.
The recognition of King Khalid International Airport as the world's most punctual airport follows a third place finish by Cirium in January. The airport advanced to first place in May and retained this position in June, reflecting its recent rapid and remarkable progress.
