Orders by Saudi airlines exceed 500 aircraft: Al-Jasser

Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser said that the aviation sector in the Kingdom is witnessing unprecedented growth, with orders by Saudi airlines exceeding 500 aircraft — a figure equivalent to four to five times historical levels.

Speaking at the 2026 Budget Forum, the minister said that the number of international destinations has risen from 100 before the pandemic to 172, with a target of reaching 250 by 2030.

He added that investments in airport infrastructure are expanding significantly, including the King Salman International Airport project, which will be one of the largest airports in the world; the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport; and ongoing projects at regional airports.

The minister revealed that next year will see the opening of the new Jazan Airport and Al-Jouf Airport, in addition to expansions at Riyadh Airport. He also announced the launch of the new national carrier in the Eastern Province, which will begin operating its flights from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

Al-Jasser also emphasized that the transport sector is undergoing a major transformation, thanks to structural reforms and is progressing steadily toward the main target of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which is to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub and a model for integrated mobility.

This transformation is primarily driven by diverse private sector investments, alongside extensive government support for the sector. Since the launch of the strategy, the private sector has committed investments exceeding SAR 280 billion across various transport and logistics services, including maritime, air, and rail transport, as well as the road transport sector, which is entirely based on private sector investment, the minister said.

He noted that the roads sector is witnessing integrated cooperation between the private sector and the National Center for Privatization & PPP through a number of initiatives and joint projects, aimed at supporting infrastructure development and boosting the efficiency of transport and logistics services in the Kingdom.

According to data available with Argaam, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in 2021, aiming to transform the Saudi transport system qualitatively, with targeted investments exceeding SAR 500 billion. The strategy reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub and enhances the efficiency of all modes of transport.