Saudi Arabia's business jet sector reported a 24% increase in flight volumes for 2024, reaching 23,612 flights compared to 19,000 in 2023. Domestic flights climbed 26% to 9,206, while international flights saw a 15% rise to 14,406.

Growth was notably driven by key airport hubs; King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah experienced a 30% rise in business jet traffic, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh increased by 22% and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam had a 7% boost.

Popular new business destinations included Sindalah and the Red Sea, alongside significant events such as the Future Investment Initiative and the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah that contributed to the increased jet traffic.

“A thriving business jet sector is essential to support Saudi Arabia's luxury tourism and business sectors. To build on the record business jet growth achieved in 2024, an unprecedented investment programme is underway to ensure the Kingdom offers unparalleled business jet aviation infrastructure and services,” says Mohammed Alkhuraisi, GACA's executive vice president of strategy and business. “Saudi Arabia's General Aviation Roadmap is opening the Kingdom's business aviation sector to the world, offering global business aviation investors, operators, manufacturers and service providers the chance to be part of a $2 billion aviation opportunity.”

Introduced during the Future Aviation Forum in May 2024, GACA's General Aviation Roadmap aims to transform the general aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030. This initiative is projected to create 35,000 jobs and aligns planning and regulations to deliver six business aviation airports and an additional nine dedicated terminals. In December 2024, an agreement was finalised for Jubail Airport to join the six dedicated general aviation airports, enhancing the sector's operational capabilities and services.