Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has carried 5.1 million passengers in the first quarter of 2022, according to the airline’s performance report.

The figures show an increase of 75% compared to the same quarter in 2021.

The report highlights that Saudia operated more than 40,000 flights in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 44% compared to Q1 2021. The airline’s fleet of 144 aircraft flew more than 101,600 hours during the first quarter of the year, an increase of 77% over the same period last year.

Saudi Arabian Airlines CEO, Capt. Ibrahim Koshy, said, “The strong traffic results represent the culmination of the efforts of the airline’s staff, who have been the driving force behind the airline’s comeback to pre-COVID levels of activity.

As demand returned, our strong airline business fundamentals have translated into a significant improvement in our performance.  This achievement has been made possible by the commitment of our hardworking employees combined with our business agility.”

Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, said: “As the momentum for travel continues to build, we will increase frequencies and introduce new destinations on our network during 2022. This strategy is especially important in light of the Kingdom’s megaprojects and transformation agenda for the tourism industry, as we continue to serve as the ‘Wings of Vision 2030’ and welcome the world to Saudi Arabia.”

The first three months of this year have seen the Kingdom host numerous exciting entertainment and cultural events, which have resulted in increased guest numbers for the airline that connects the Kingdom with the world. The strong uptick in air travel is an indication that the Kingdom is well on its way to a full recovery from the pandemic period.