UAE and Saudi Arabia Air Travel Surges During Ramadan

Air transport between the UAE and Saudi Arabia saw a significant 13% increase in March, fueled by heightened demand during the holy month of Ramadan. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority reported a rise in weekly flights from the UAE to the Kingdom, reaching 383 in March compared to around 338 the previous month. This surge in air travel was particularly driven by the upcoming Hajj season, a crucial period for Saudi Arabia's tourism sector.

During the 2023 pilgrimage period, regional airports in Saudi Arabia facilitated the transportation of 1.5 million religious visitors and 3.2 million passengers through 102 airlines. Notably, flydubai ramped up its services to the Kingdom by 40%, increasing weekly trips from 93 in February to 130 in March, covering various destinations including Abha, Jazan, Neom, AlUla, and Qaisumah.

Etihad Airways also expanded its weekly services by over 22% in March, transporting around 45,000 passengers to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan and the Umrah season. Jeddah emerged as a popular choice for travelers during the holy month, with flights to the city achieving a high passenger occupancy rate exceeding 95%.

Emirates, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Air Arabia also contributed to the increased air connectivity between the two countries, operating multiple weekly flights to key destinations in Saudi Arabia. The majority of passengers visiting Saudi Arabia during Ramadan hailed from the UAE, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia, underscoring the diverse tourism appeal of the Kingdom.

Enhancing the tourism sector and attracting more pilgrim tourists remain pivotal for Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030. The 2023 Hajj season witnessed an impressive 86% increase in travelers compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing allure of Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination.

In a bid to ensure seamless operations during Ramadan, Saudi Arabia's Transport Minister inspected Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, which recorded over 5.4 million passengers on 30,572 flights from February to March. The surge in air travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia not only signifies the strengthening ties between the two nations but also underscores the Kingdom's commitment to fostering a vibrant tourism industry.