King Abdulaziz International Airport Achieves Record Passenger Numbers in January 2026

King Abdulaziz International Airport records show a strong start to 2026, with 5.45 million passengers passing through in January, marking a 7.3 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Flight movements reached 29,200, up 11 percent, while total baggage throughput rose 8 percent to 6.6 million items.

The airport experienced its busiest operational week from January 11 to 17, serving 1.28 million travelers. January 17 set a new daily record, welcoming 195,300 passengers across 1,089 flights, reflecting the airport’s efficiency and capacity to accommodate growing demand.

These milestones highlight Jeddah Airports Company’s (JEDCO) efforts to enhance passenger experiences, expand travel options, and manage increasing air traffic in line with the National Aviation Program and Saudi Vision 2030. Since its establishment in 2022, JEDCO has overseen the operations of King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), advancing the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

In 2025, KAIA achieved a historic high by serving 53.4 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia and positioning it among the world’s leading mega airports. That year, the airport handled 310,000 flights, 60.4 million bags, 9.57 million Zamzam water containers, and 2,968 cargo flights.

The January 2026 milestone demonstrates KAIA’s role as a regional hub and national gateway, connecting the Kingdom globally while supporting tourism, religious pilgrimages, and economic diversification under Vision 2030. It also underscores the airport’s commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience.

Across Saudi Arabia, airports reported unprecedented growth in 2025. Total passenger numbers reached approximately 140.9 million, with 76 million international and 65 million domestic travelers. Flight movements rose 8.3 percent to around 980,400. KAIA accounted for 38 percent of total passenger traffic, averaging 146,000 passengers daily and operating at 107 percent of its capacity. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh handled 29 percent of passengers, while Madinah and Dammam airports also recorded historic surges, operating above full capacity.

The record-setting start to 2026 reflects sustained growth in Saudi aviation, driven by tourism, international events, and increased global connectivity, cementing the Kingdom’s status as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.