King Khalid International Airport Ranked World’s First For Accurate Flight Schedule

Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport has been recognized for having the world’s most accurate flight schedules in May 2024.

The airport’s top ranking was announced by Cirium Diio, an airline analytics solutions provider for end-to-end schedule and planning intelligence.

Cirium Diio analyzes data to come up with efficient trip planning, accurate, and updated flight information for travelers.

According to Ayman Abu Ababa, the CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, King Khalid International Airport’s achievement is proof of its commitment, together with its partners, to offer the highest level of operational services.

He also emphasized the dedication of the airport’s employees to excellence, as the airport serves as a gateway to Riyadh, an economic hub.

The recognition is in line with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, cementing the kingdom’s position as a pioneer in various sectors.

King Khalid International Airport previously ranked third place in January 2024.

Its latest achievement shows its fast ascent in just five months.

A leader in operational performance

Also in May 2024, the airport ranked first in operational performance among airports for 15 million or more annual passengers, according to a monthly report of aviation regulator Gaca posted on X.

It was its second consecutive month to outrank Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.

In particular, Gaca looked at 11 metrics on passenger experience to come up with the ranking.

This included flight delays, check-ins, security, passport control, customs control, asset availability, as well as assistance services for people with limited mobility.

The King Fahd International Airport in Dammam ranked first in the 5 to 15 million passenger category, followed by the Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

Meanwhile, in the 2 to 5 million passenger category, the Abha International Airport ranked first, followed by the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan.

Expansion and redevelopment

In April 2024, the Riyadh Airports Company launched the King Khalid International Airport’s newly expanded retail space.

The redevelopment was unveiled in a special ceremony attended by Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

The airport’s Terminals 3 and 4 now carry over 3,000 square meters of retail space, growing its capacity from 4,000 to 6,000 products in its first phase.

It is expected to grow further to 8,000 products upon the project’s completion.

The said project also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

In a statement on LinkedIn, Abdulaziz Al-Asaker, the Riyadh Airports Chief Commercial Officer, remarked,

“This expansion has contributed to increasing the number of products from 4,000 to 6,000 products for the first phase of the project, which enhances growth opportunities and contributes to improving the services provided to travelers and visitors.”

Recently, Saudi Arabia’s Saudia Airlines was named Most Improved Airline for 2023.

The kingdom is also set to launch the world’s largest airport, the King Salman International Airport, by 2030.

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