Islamabad (Zahid Yaqoob Khawaja): The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has achieved growth in its operational performance for the first half of 2025, based to the latest performance report. The airline carried more than 17.5 million guests, marking a 7.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Millions of journeys from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia each year make this route a vital artery in the Kingdom’s global network. Pakistani travelers consistently turn to Saudia, drawn by its reliable service, wide range of flight options, and its tailored approach to the specific needs of Hajj, Umrah, and expatriate travel. This strong passenger preference not only reinforces the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan but also plays a key role in driving Saudia’s ongoing global expansion.

This growth was supported by the operation of over 100,000 flights, including scheduled and additional services across its extensive network spanning four continents, representing a 4% increase. In total, Saudia recorded more than 293,500 flight hours during this period, while maintaining an exceptional on-time performance rate (OTP) of 89.6%. Notably, the airline ranked first worldwide for OTP in both March and June 2025, according to reports issued by Cirium, a leading global aviation analytics provider.

As part of its mission to bring the world to the Kingdom, Saudia transported over 9.6 million international guests in the first half of 2025, marking a 5% increase year-on-year. The increase was supported by the operation of more than 43,700 international flights, representing a 3% rise compared to the same period last year. On the domestic front, Saudia transported more than 7.9 million guests, reflecting a 10% increase, with over 56,400 domestic flights operated across the Kingdom.

These achievements reflect the dedication and expertise of Saudia’s national workforce across all sectors, particularly in operations, planning, execution, and performance monitoring. The airline’s focus on enhancing quality and operational efficiency has been further strengthened through strategic investments in advanced digital systems, resulting in an improved guest experience. This dedication is clearly reflected in Saudia’s operations on key routes between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which continue to serve as vital air bridges for pilgrims, expatriates, and travelers seeking seamless, efficient, and comfortable journeys.

Saudia’s current fleet of 148 aircraft underpins its strong operational performance across both domestic and international networks. Looking ahead, the planned addition of 117 new aircraft in the coming years will enable the airline to increase flight frequencies, expand seat capacity on existing routes—including key destinations in Pakistan—and introduce new international routes. These advancements support the Kingdom’s national priorities in tourism, entertainment, sports, and Hajj and Umrah services, while also strengthening air connectivity with Pakistan, a vital partner in religious travel and regional cooperation.