Riyadh, January 17, 2025 – Saudi Air Navigation Services Company (SANS) has announced exceptional growth in air traffic for 2024, highlighting its dedication to enhancing air navigation safety and efficiency within Saudi airspace. The company’s impressive performance throughout the year underscores its commitment to meeting the highest international standards in air traffic control and aviation safety.
In 2024, SANS achieved remarkable milestones, including the upgrade of its safety management system. This enhancement allowed the company to maintain a Level C rating, as defined by the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO), a highly respected international body. Furthermore, SANS reached 95% of Level D, underscoring its ongoing efforts to implement the safest practices in air navigation as recognized by global aviation authorities. The company also reported that there were no serious or major incidents related to air navigation safety within Saudi airspace, reinforcing its safety record and ensuring the continued security of air traffic across the Kingdom.
Another significant achievement for SANS was its unanimous selection to host CANSO’s regional office in Riyadh, a prestigious appointment that solidifies Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a key player in regional civil aviation. This move will help foster further collaboration and innovation in air navigation services across the Middle East, reinforcing the Kingdom’s strategic position in the global aviation network.
The growth in Saudi Arabia’s air traffic was nothing short of extraordinary in 2024, with the Kingdom recording more than 953,000 air movements, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in traffic marked a milestone in the Kingdom’s aviation history, including a record-breaking 3,137 air movements on April 14, the highest daily figure ever recorded. October 26 also saw a peak of 1,215 transit flights, reflecting the Kingdom’s importance as a major aviation hub. The statistics show significant growth across all types of flights, with domestic flights accounting for 261,000 air movements (up 14%), transit flights reaching 255,000 (up 22%), and international flights totaling 453,000 (up 10%).
This robust growth in air traffic reflects the continued development and modernization of Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector, which has been backed by steadfast government support. SANS’ strategic focus on innovation, safety, and infrastructure development has played a pivotal role in supporting this growth, ensuring that the Kingdom’s airspace remains one of the safest and most efficient in the region.
In addition to its growth in air traffic, SANS celebrated several key achievements in 2024. The company was honored with 14 regional and international awards and certifications, a testament to its excellence and dedication to the aviation industry. Among the most notable accolades were the "Best Places to Work" certificate for the second consecutive year and first place in the Corporate Happiness Award within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, specifically in the Diversity and Inclusion category. These recognitions reflect SANS’ commitment not only to safety and operational excellence but also to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
Looking ahead, SANS remains poised to continue its leadership role in the region’s aviation sector, driving further growth and innovation in air navigation services while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. The company's 2024 achievements set the stage for a prosperous future for Saudi Arabia's civil aviation industry, with SANS at the forefront of this progress.