King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has achieved an unprecedented milestone for 2025, advancing 11 ranks from last year to rank 24th among 580 airports worldwide, according to the global Skytrax ranking โ one of the most prestigious international indicators for measuring airport service quality. This remarkable progress reflects the airportโs continuous improvements and advanced services, reaffirming its position as one of the leading airports in the Middle East and the world in terms of operational efficiency and passenger experience.
The airport also received the award for Best Airport Staff in the Middle East this year, ranked third globally in the category of Best New Airport Terminal, and fourth as Worldโs Best Airport in the 30-40 million passengers per year category. These awards affirm King Khalid International Airportโs commitment to delivering a comprehensive travel experience that meets passengersโ expectations and showcases the significant advancement in the level of services and technologies applied โ placing it among the elite global airports that combine innovation, efficiency, and quality.
Mr. Ayman bin Abdulaziz Aboabah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, stated that this achievement represents a vote of confidence from travellers in the quality of services provided. It also reflects the tremendous efforts made by the airportโs teams and partners to enhance operational, security, and logistical processes in line with the highest international standards. He emphasized that the continuous support from His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation has directly contributed to these outstanding results. These accomplishments align with the Kingdomโs broader vision to develop the aviation sector and enhance its efficiency in accordance with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
He also pointed out that King Khalid International Airport continues to strive for higher global rankings through infrastructure expansion, enhancement of the passenger experience, and greater operational efficiency โ particularly amid expectations of increased international passenger traffic in the coming years. This growth, he noted, underscores the importance of continued investment in innovation, digital transformation, and seamless integration among all stakeholders operating within the airport.
The global Skytrax ranking is considered one of the most important indicators reflecting travellers satisfaction with the quality of services provided. It is based on surveys conducted across more than 100 countries and evaluates over 500 criteria related to the travel experience, from arrival to departure, including efficiency of procedures, cleanliness, comfort, service quality, and staff performance. The advanced results achieved by King Khalid International Airport highlight its standing as one of the worldโs leading airports in the major airports category.
These achievements are the outcome of years of integrated work involving continuous development and strategic planning. In recent years, the airport has undergone a comprehensive modernisation of its facilities, terminals, and services, including improvements to the baggage handling systems, expansion of passport control areas, and the adoption of artificial intelligence systems to streamline the travel experience. The airport has also expanded its digital services, enabling passengers to complete their travel procedures quickly and conveniently.
Moreover, the airport has placed strong emphasis on developing national talent through continuous training and specialised qualification programs, a factor that has significantly improved service quality and strengthened a culture of excellence among staff. This commitment is underscored by the airportโs win of the Best Airport Staff in the Middle East award, which evaluates employee engagement with travellers, communication quality, and support throughout the travel journey.
The airportโs success is not limited to international rankings but extends to operational performance as well. In July 2025, King Khalid International Airport recorded the highest month in its history in terms of passenger numbers and flights, with over 3.9 million passengers travelling through 26,000 flights. On July 31st alone, the airport handled 142,538 passengers, surpassing records from the past two years, a testament to the airportโs sustained operational growth and its ability to accommodate increasing passenger volumes without compromising service quality.
During the same period, the airport served 63 airlines and 121 international and domestic destinations, achieving a record in baggage handling and demonstrating high operational efficiency in managing ground operations. These indicators reflect a well-organised performance built on modern technologies and precise operational planning to ensure smooth traffic flow, especially during peak seasons and public holidays.
In terms of on-time performance, King Khalid International Airport ranked first globally in June 2025, with an impressive punctuality rate of 90.41%. This marked the third time in the same year that the airport topped the list, following similar achievements in March and April. This consistency underscores the airport managementโs and its partnersโ commitment to applying best global practices in time management and enhancing the passenger experience through punctual flight schedules and well-coordinated operations.
These achievements affirm that King Khalid International Airport has evolved beyond being merely a transit point, it has become an integrated smart travel ecosystem, combining comfort, speed, and safety, and providing an advanced environment for both travellers and airlines. This strong performance aligns with a comprehensive strategy aimed at positioning the airport as a global model of operational excellence and efficiency, and as a key gateway reflecting the image of Riyadh as a modern, globally connected city.
The airport also plays a vital role in supporting the national economy and boosting tourism and trade activity, serving as a major hub for domestic and international air traffic and a connection point between three continents. These efforts align with the Kingdomโs vision to strengthen its position as a global aviation and logistics hub. Moreover, the steady increase in passenger numbers continues to drive expansion in infrastructure, terminals, and services, while attracting more leading international airlines to operate through Riyadh.
All of this goes hand in hand with the airportโs firm commitment to the highest environmental sustainability standards, through the implementation of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, using renewable energy, and efficient waste management, in alignment with the national direction toward a green transition and the development of sustainable transportation.
The outstanding performance of King Khalid International Airport reflects the maturity of its operational ecosystem, the integration of its technical and administrative components, and its strong capability to efficiently and flexibly handle the growing number of passengers and flights. This comes at a time when the Saudi aviation sector is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, driven by regulatory reforms and modern policies adopted by the transport and logistics ecosystem to create a competitive and open operating environment. Such efforts empower both national and international airlines to expand their operations and encourage investment in infrastructure and support services projects.
This exceptional performance highlights the significant efforts being made to develop the Kingdomโs air transport system by improving airport operational efficiency and adopting digital innovation in air traffic management and logistics services, thereby strengthening Saudi Arabiaโs position as a global hub connecting three continents. The remarkable progress of the airport today is a direct reflection of the strategic evolution of the Saudi aviation sector, which has come to be recognised globally as a successful model of modern management and sustainable operations. Indeed, the achievements of King Khalid International Airport are the result of dedicated work and long-term strategic planning, embodying the spirit of collaboration between government entities and the private sector. This makes the airport a national model of excellence, reflecting the Kingdomโs ambition to build a world-class aviation sector that keeps pace with its economic and developmental aspirations.
In conclusion, King Khalid International Airport continues its steady journey toward becoming one of the worldโs leading airports, combining operational efficiency, service quality, and a comprehensive passenger experience. It has truly become a symbol of excellence in global aviation and a radiant gateway for Riyadh โ opening onto a future that matches the Kingdomโs ambitions and its vision of becoming a global center for aviation and travel.
Article received on Mail
