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The company has relied on innovation, connectivity, and record-breaking passenger numbers to accelerate its global growth.
Riyadh Airports Company (RAC) emerged as the International Airport of the Year – Saudi Arabia awardee at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East. This feat has bolstered its position as a major global aviation hub in the region.
The company recognises King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), operated by RAC, which serves as the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s capital. As the Kingdom’s second-largest airport, KKIA has strengthened its role as a key connector between East and West and is driven by strategic development, international partnerships, and a strong focus on passenger experience.
The airport has so far achieved impressive numbers, including 9.1 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025. This is a 38% increase compared to the same period in 2019.
International traffic also saw a significant 16.91% rise in 2024 compared to the previous year. Moreover, KKIA now connects to over 100 destinations worldwide. It has over 217,000 flights handled annually, and partnerships with more than 60 international and domestic airlines.
Additionally, the airport recorded its busiest day ever on 13 June 2024, serving 124,000 passengers across 901 flights.
This growth reflects RAC’s clear, forward-looking strategy. In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, RAC is helping transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub by boosting long-term connectivity and diversifying routes. KKIA has launched 18 new destinations, including key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Warsaw, and also welcomed 15 new airlines, including eight international hub carriers, with a focus on strengthening connections to Asia and other emerging markets.
RAC has also advanced cargo development, supporting trade flows and strengthening Riyadh’s role in the global supply chain.
Furthermore, RAC’s collaboration with Riyadh Air and other global carriers reflects its consultative and partner-first approach. This ensures smooth integration of ground services, staff operations, and passenger handling.
Passenger experience is also one of RAC’s priorities. It ensures both efficiency and comfort, and it has done so by investing in terminal upgrades, new international routes, and digital services that are reshaping how travellers move through the airport.
Amongst the key innovations are the enhanced transfer experiences for connecting passengers; fast-track processes for smoother journeys; and culturally tailored services, including becoming the first airport in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region to earn the Welcome Chinese Certification.
With the introduction of experience-led services, KKIA marks not just growth but evolution into a next-generation airport.
What sets RAC apart is its proactive and collaborative approach. Rather than operating as a traditional airport, KKIA is a strategic partner to airlines. It works closely to improve commercial performance, expand networks, and drive mutual success.
RAC has diversified its airline base and commercial model by focusing on building strong relationships with foreign carriers, especially from Asia. This approach has proven efficient as it already resulted in a 10% passenger increase from January to May 2025 versus the same period in 2024.
With its ongoing infrastructure enhancements, passenger-focused innovations, and strong global partnerships, KKIA is shaping the future of air travel in Saudi Arabia. It is helping as well in positioning Riyadh as a world-class destination for business, tourism, and transit.
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East spotlights the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives. It serves as a platform to celebrate key players who redefine the standards in the travel industry.
The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Middle East 2025 is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more details, please contact Danica Avila at awardsmiddleeast@traveldailymedia.com.
The post Riyadh Airports Company wins at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Middle East appeared first on Travel Daily Media.
Source: traveldailymedia