Saudia ranks second globally for on-time arrivals

Saudia ranked second worldwide for on-time arrival performance in 2025, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium, cementing its position among the world’s most punctual airlines for a second consecutive year.

Cirium’s 2025 On-Time Performance Review showed that Saudia achieved an on-time arrival rate of 86.53 per cent across more than 202,800 flights operated during the year. The airline’s network serves more than 100 destinations across four continents.

Ibrahim Al-Omar, director-general of Saudia Group, said the result reflects the collective efforts of teams responsible for planning, operations and flight management across the organisation.

He said operational efficiency remains a cornerstone of Saudia’s strategic plan and is closely linked to the overall guest experience, with punctuality playing a critical role in every journey.

Al-Omar added that one of the airline’s key strengths lies in the integration and coordination among Saudia Group’s various companies, as well as cooperation with partners across the Kingdom’s aviation sector.

Saudia plans major fleet expansion

Looking ahead, Saudia is preparing for a major expansion phase, with 116 new aircraft scheduled to join its fleet over the coming years. This will increase the airline’s total fleet from 149 aircraft currently in operation.

The expansion is expected to support higher flight frequencies through additional services and increased seating capacity on existing routes, alongside the launch of new international destinations. Saudia said the growth plan is designed to accommodate rising demand while maintaining operational efficiency.

The airline has mobilised resources to support the expansion, including investment in its operations centre, which manages flight operations using advanced aviation technologies. The growth strategy is also underpinned by qualified national talent, according to the airline.

Saudia said its operational performance supports its broader role in connecting the Kingdom with the world, transporting guests to and from major events hosted across Saudi Arabia. These include international conferences, as well as tourism, entertainment and sporting events.

The airline said punctual flight operations remain central to enhancing the guest experience, alongside the development of services and products offered both on the ground and in the air.

Cirium’s annual on-time performance rankings are widely followed across the aviation industry and assess airlines based on the proportion of flights arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled arrival times.