Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has been ranked second in the world for on-time arrival performance in 2025, according to data from Cirium, the independent aviation analytics firm. The achievement marks the second consecutive year that the Kingdom’s flagship airline has claimed the global runner-up position, a result that underlines the operational transformation underway at one of the Middle East’s largest carriers.
Delivering on 200,000 Flights
The airline recorded an on-time arrival rate of 86.53 percent across more than 202,800 flights operated throughout the year. The network spans over 100 destinations across four continents, making the consistency of that performance all the more significant. Maintaining punctuality at that scale requires precision across every stage of the operation, from ground handling and crew scheduling to air traffic coordination and maintenance turnarounds.
Saudia Group Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar attributed the result to the collective efforts of teams across planning, operations, and flight management. He noted that operational efficiency is a core pillar of Saudia’s strategic plan and is directly tied to the passenger experience, with time management embedded at every stage of the journey.
Fleet Expansion Ahead
The ranking arrives at a pivotal moment for the airline. Saudia currently operates a fleet of 149 aircraft, with 116 new planes scheduled for delivery in the coming years. The expanded fleet will enable increased flight frequencies and seat capacity across existing routes, alongside the launch of new international destinations. The growth is supported by a qualified national workforce and the airline’s advanced operations center, which oversees flights using the latest technologies in air transport management.
Supporting the Kingdom’s Vision
Saudia’s operational performance is closely aligned with the Kingdom’s broader ambitions under Vision 2030 to position Saudi Arabia as a global destination for tourism, business, and major international events. The airline plays a central role in transporting guests to events hosted across the country, from international forums to tourism, entertainment, and sporting occasions. On-time performance is a critical component of that mission, complementing the high-quality services and products the airline delivers across both ground and inflight touchpoints. With the fleet expansion on the horizon and operational standards continuing to rise, Saudia is positioning itself as one of the world’s most reliable carriers at a time when the Kingdom needs it most.
