King Khalid International Airport Reports Highest Ever Passenger Numbers in August 2022 With Passenger Growth of 7.5% Above Pre-pandemic August 2019

2022-09-29

King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), operated by Riyadh Airport Company (RAC), experienced its highest ever international and total passenger month in August 2022, delivering total growth of 7.5% over pre-Covid August 2019, the second time above 2019 in 2022 as full recovery momentum builds.

The record international passenger month was 7% above August 2019 while domestic travellers were 8% ahead. Year to date, both passenger sectors combined have achieved over 91% of 2019. Domestic passengers were second highest only to July 2019.

RAC has introduced 18 new routes so far this year, including 10 first time destinations and on 25th August, an additional 10 new routes to KKIA were announced by Wizz, further building the pipeline of future passenger growth.

On top of these passenger developments, terminal generated sales increased by 23% for the month against 2019, including duty free growth of 35%. Terminal sales were 67% above August 2021.

Commenting on this significant milestone Eng. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, CEO RAC said, “We are absolutely delighted with KKIA’s best ever passenger achievement and the exceptionally strong passenger recovery in August, the strongest growth over 2019 so far this year. This illustrates the underlying momentum that has been building as we work toward KSA’s Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030”.

Abdulaziz Al Asaker, Commercial Group Acting VP RAC added “Our team is working hard and closely with our airline partners, current and new, to build on these excellent results, our network expansion developments and on-going passenger momentum; we remain focused on achieving our ambitious growth plans ahead.

“Strong passenger growth is driving even stronger terminal sales across the airport. We continue to work closely with our commercial partners to maximise the sales opportunities; August’s results are testament to this, and a clear indication of what the future holds at KKIA.”