Riyadh Airports Company (RAC) has emerged as the International Airport of the Year - Saudi Arabia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 - Middle East. This recognition underscores RAC’s growth trajectory as a key player in global aviation. The award highlights King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), which serves as the central hub for Saudi Arabia’s capital.

KKIA is recognized as the second-largest airport in the Kingdom, strengthening its position as a vital connector between East and West through strategic advancements and a dedication to passenger experience. In the first quarter of 2025, the airport recorded 9.1 million travelers, marking a 38% increase compared to the same time in 2019.

International passenger traffic experienced a 16.91% rise in 2024 compared to the previous year, with over 100 destinations served globally and more than 217,000 flights annually, incorporating partnerships with over 60 airlines.

June 13, 2024, marked a historic day for KKIA, with 124,000 passenger services across 901 flights, reflecting its robust strategy in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

RAC is actively working towards transforming the Kingdom into a logistics hub, launching 18 new destinations and onboarding 15 new airlines. Additionally, RAC has made significant progress in cargo operations, contributing to Riyadh’s global supply chain.

With a focus on enhancing the passenger experience through terminal upgrades and improved services, KKIA aims to deliver modern, seamless travel. Innovative initiatives, such as enhanced transfer processes and culturally-tailored services, position the airport as a leader in regional excellence.

The TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East serves to highlight the top performances across numerous sectors of the travel industry. To explore more about the winners, click here.