Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector is contributing $53 billion to the kingdom's economy, according to a report by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The contribution of the sector to the Saudi economy includes $20.80 billion generated through aviation activities and $32.20 billion in tourism revenues.

GACA’s report showed that the Saudi civil aviation sector is providing 241,000 jobs, in addition to 717,000 other jobs in the tourism sector.

During 2023, the civil aviation sector achieved annual growth of 123% in international seat capacity, compared to pre-pandemic figures, while passenger numbers surged by 26% to about 112 million, the report highlighted.

GACA’s report on the state of the Saudi aviation sector was launched during the Future Aviation Forum 2024, which is held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from 20 to 22 May 2024.

Hosted by GACA, the event attracts 5,000 experts and aviation leaders from over 100 countries.