RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's national carrier topped the list of global airlines as it achieved 88.22 percent on-time arrivals in June, according to new data from independent aviation tracking site Cirium.
Saudi Arabia also recorded an on-time departure rate of 88.73 percent, operating 16,133 flights across its network from more than 100 destinations on four continents.
The achievement is significant given that June is the 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.
According to the same report, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport ranked first globally for on-time performance for the second consecutive month.
This comes amid steady growth in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector, which will contribute $21 billion to the Kingdom's gross domestic product in 2023, boosting its status as a global tourism hub.
The National Transport and Logistics Strategy aims to increase the aviation industry's contribution to GDP from the current 6 percent to 10 percent by 2030.
Ibrahim Al-Omar, CEO of Saudia Group, said: “This achievement is the realization of our strategic goals to improve operational efficiency and quality by continuously improving flight schedules and implementing the best digital solutions and systems to manage operations.”
He added: “Maintaining a high level of on-time performance requires considerable effort as it involves overcoming many operational challenges in the aviation industry, such as weather conditions, high temperatures, technical issues and other airport-related factors.”
Since last year, Saudi Arabia has consistently ranked among the world's top 10 airlines for on-time performance, demonstrating their commitment to high standards of quality and air traffic safety, the company said.
Its activities are coordinated through one of the largest integrated operation 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 high rating by Cirium underscores its commitment to operational excellence and serves as a catalyst for continuous improvements, said Ayman Ababah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Co., according to the Saudi Press Agency.
“This excellence reflects our commitment to quality and efficiency. This motivates us to continue working with various partners at King Khalid International Airport to provide our passengers with the best travel experience and the highest level of service,” he added.
“King Khalid International Airport is a national landmark, showcasing the Kingdom's status and future aspirations in line with Vision 2030,” Abaabah also said.
He emphasized the importance of his staff's commitment to the highest operational standards, which he said is a defining characteristic of the airport's workforce, and their continued efforts to improve passenger quality.
The recognition of King Khalid International Airport as the most punctual airport in the world follows its third place in the Cirium ranking in January. The airport rose to the top spot in May and retained that position in June, reflecting its recent rapid and notable progress.
