Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

07/06/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

Air Transport Statistics provide comprehensive and detailed data on air traffic, in addition to the latest statistics and indicators on the air transport sector in the Saudi Arabia, in the form of statistical tables and analytical reports. This publication aims to measure the volume of air traffic.
The data were collected on the main characteristics as follows:
•    Passenger traffic (commercial and general).
•    Passenger traffic by airline type, flight type, and airports.
•    Passenger traffic by airports and month.
•    Average daily number of passengers.
•    Air traffic movements (commercial and general).
•    Flights by airlines, flight type, and airports.
•    Flights by airports and month.
•    Passenger traffic by airports and month.
•    Cargo traffic (exports/imports/transit).
•    Infrastructure indicators (capacity, runways, and cargo facilities).
•    Air fleet and licensing data (type, number, categories, and activities).
•    Countries accessible through international airports in Saudi Arabia.
•    Destinations accessible through international airports.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Air Transport Statistics.
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
it is a statistical classification based on the International Standard of Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4), used to describe the productive activities of an establishment. 
Metadata is collected through registry data sources to ensure that outputs are produced for all relevant classifications.
The classifications are available on GASTAT’s website: www.stats.gov.sa

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terminologies and concepts of the Air Transport Statistics:
•    Airports:
A facility designed and equipped to receive and operate aircraft, including take-off and landing areas, flight operation facilities, and related services such as terminals, runways, and ground services.
•    International airport:
An airport designed to receive and operate international flights, with official facilities and procedures such as passport control services, customs, and quarantine, to serve the movement of passengers and cargo between countries.
•    Domestic airport:
An airport limited to domestic flights within the country, which usually does not include international border procedures.
•    Runway:
A defined area within an airport, engineered and equipped for the takeoff and landing of aircraft in accordance with specific safety and operational standards.
•    Airspace:
The airspace subject to a state’s sovereignty and regulation, encompassing all air traffic within its boundaries.
•    ِAir route:
An approved air navigation route used by aircraft to travel between two or more points in accordance with established air navigation procedures.
•    Cargo facilities:
Facilities within airports dedicated to receiving, sorting, storing, and processing air cargo before or after transport.
•    Airport capacity:
The maximum volume of air operations that an airport or system can handle within a specified period, whether in terms of the number of flights or passengers.
•    Flight:
An aircraft operation between a departure airport and an arrival airport, where each operation is considered an independent statistical unit within air transport traffic.
•    International flights:
Flights where one endpoint is outside the country’s borders, including flights departing to or arriving from abroad.
•    Domestic flights:
Flights operated entirely within the country’s borders between domestic airports, without crossing international borders.
•    Air traffic movements:
The total number of takeoff and landing operations carried out at airports during a specified period.
•    Arriving flights:
Flights that arrive at a specific airport after departing from another airport.
•    Departing flights:
Flights that depart from a specific airport to another airport.
•    Commercial aviation:
All aircraft operations intended for the transport of passengers or cargo for remuneration, whether scheduled or non-scheduled.
•    General aviation:
All civil aviation operations that are not classified as scheduled or non-scheduled commercial air transport for the transport of passengers or cargo for remuneration, including private aviation, business aviation, training flights, air ambulance services, aerial work, and recreational flights.
•    Air carrier:
A company or entity officially licensed by the competent authorities to provide air transport services for passengers or cargo.
•    National carrier:
An air carrier legally registered in the country and subject to its regulatory and operational systems.
•    Foreign carrier:
An air carrier registered outside the country that operates flights within or through the country in accordance with operational permits.
•    Passenger:
Any person transported on board an aircraft, excluding crew members.
•    Arriving passengers:
Passengers who arrive at a specific airport from another airport.
•    Departing passengers:
Passengers who depart from a specific airport to another destination.
•    Air cargo:
All goods and parcels transported by aircraft between domestic and international airports.
•    Outbound cargo:
Goods shipped by air from within the country to external destinations.
•    Inbound cargo:
Goods arriving in the country via inbound flights from abroad.
•    Transit cargo:
Goods that pass through the country’s territory during their journey between two other countries without being cleared through customs within the country.
•    Air fleet:
The total number of aircraft owned or operated by an airline or a country during a specified reference period.
•    Aircraft age:
The period from when the aircraft first entered operational service until the date of measurement.
•    Kilogram:
A unit of mass in the International System of Units.
•    Tons:
A unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms, used to measure air cargo weights.
•    Destination:
The airport or geographic location at which the air journey ends.
•    Air connectivity:
The level of connectivity of the air transport network between airports in terms of the number of flights and available destinations.
•    Punctuality:
An indicator that measures the percentage of flights operated within the scheduled time compared to the total number of flights.
•    Passenger satisfaction Rate:
An indicator that measures the level of satisfaction of air transport service users based on their direct evaluations.
•    Complaints:
Reports or objections submitted by passengers or users regarding service quality.
•    License:
An official authorization issued by the regulatory entity allowing the practice of a specific activity in the air transport sector.
•    License for foreign air carriers – scheduled operations:
A license granted to a foreign air carrier authorizing it to operate scheduled flights according to specific and published timetables, for the transport of passengers, cargo, or both between specified points.
•    License for national air carriers – non-scheduled operations:
A license granted to a national air carrier allowing it to operate non-scheduled (charter) flights based on prior request, without adherence to fixed operating schedules.
•    License for on-demand air carriers:
A license that allows an air carrier to provide on-demand air transport services, where flights are determined based on customers’ needs in terms of timing and destination, without a regular schedule.
•    License for commercial agents of aviation service providers:
A license granted to a commercial entity representing aviation service providers (such as ground handling or catering), allowing it to market or contract these services on their behalf.
•    License for general aviation support providers:
A license granted to a provider of support services for general aviation operations, such as refueling, maintenance, handling, or private aircraft services.
•    License for national air carriers – scheduled operations:
A license granted to a national air carrier to operate scheduled flights according to published timetables, for the transport of passengers, cargo, or both between specified destinations.

Data sources

Air Transport Statistics data are mainly based on administrative records from the following entities:
•    General Authority of Civil Aviation.
•    Air Connectivity Program.
The main published variables from the administrative data source are:
•    Domestic and international air traffic of flights and passengers at airports in Saudi Arabia.
•    Air traffic by national and foreign air carriers.
•    Cargo volumes at airports in Saudi Arabia.
•    Number of countries accessible through international airports in Saudi Arabia.
•    Number of countries accessible through international airports in Saudi Arabia.
•    Number of commercial and general aircraft at airports in Saudi Arabia.
•    Airport capacity in Saudi Arabia.
•    Number of air transport licenses.
•    Saudi Arabia’s ranking in the Global Air Connectivity Index.

Designing the data collection tool

Data were collected using standardized data request templates sent to relevant data entities, with the aim of obtaining periodic, consistent, and documented data sourced from administrative records related to Air Transport Statistics.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Not applicable, as the product relies on register-based data sourced from administrative records provided by the relevant entities.

Statistical population

The statistical population for Air Transport Statistics consists of all air transport movements, including flights, passenger traffic, and air cargo operations, carried out across airports, airlines, and other entities operating air transport activities in Saudi Arabia during the reference period.
This population is based on a register-based frame that relies on data from entities involved in operating and providing air transport services within Saudi Arabia, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all operational activities and air traffic at airports in Saudi Arabia.

Sample Design

 Not applicable, as the product relies on specific register-based data sources derived from administrative records made available by the relevant entities.

Statistical unit

The operator of air transport services (for passenger or cargo transport), which is the main source of data on air traffic, volumes, and performance.

Data collection

Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the Authority’s relevant departments responsible for implementing the survey and managing data collection, the register-based data for Air Transport Statistics are obtained from the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Air Connectivity Program. These data include passenger traffic, number of flights, air cargo volumes, and occupancy rates on domestic and international flights.
These data are stored in GASTAT’s databases after undergoing verification and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards, with reference to the data source in case of detected errors or observations. The examination process also includes reviewing data consistency, ensuring completeness and logical coherence, and verifying the absence of duplication.

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for Air Transport Statistics is carried out on an annual basis.

Reference area

Data from Air Transport Statistics cover 29 airports, including international and domestic airports, geographically distributed to ensure comprehensive coverage of all air transport points of entry in Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

Reference period of the variables or dataset is as follows:
All data and variables derived from administrative records related to Air Transport Statistics are based on the Gregorian year 2025, i.e., from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Base period

Not applicable, as Air Transport Statistics rely on measuring the actual and absolute values of operational activity during the reference year only (such as the number of passengers, flights, and cargo volume), and do not depend on comparisons with a previous reference year (base year).

Measurement unit

•    Most results are measured in numbers (e.g., number of flights, number of passengers, number of aircraft, and number of airports) and are usually presented in thousands or millions depending on the size of the indicator.
•    Some indicators are measured in weight (tons and kilograms), such as outbound and inbound air cargo volumes.
•    Some results are calculated as percentages, such as the rate of change between two years in the number of flights, passengers, or air cargo, as well as the share of international and domestic flights.
•    Some indicators are calculated as averages, such as the average number of daily flights and the average daily number of passengers.

Time coverage

Data is available for some indicators as a time series from 2019 to 2025.

Publication frequency

The results of the Air Transport Statistics are published annually in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Data are reviewed and verified to ensure their accuracy in a manner appropriate to their nature, with the aim of enhancing the quality and accuracy of the statistics provided.
Data for the current publication year are compared with those of the previous year to ensure their validity and consistency, in preparation for data processing, result extraction, and review.
In addition, data are processed and tabulated to verify their accuracy. All outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being calculated by GASTAT and are then reviewed and processed by specialists in the Tourism and Transport Statistics Department using modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Not applicable, as the product relies on a single data source, which is administrative records provided by the relevant entities.

Imputation and calibration

Procedures for calculating variables and aggregates:
Average daily number of passengers:
To calculate the average daily number of passengers, the total number of air passengers during the reference period (year or month) is divided by the number of days in the same period.
•    Calculation method: 

Average daily number of flights = 

To calculate the average daily number of flights, the total number of flights during the reference period (year or month) is divided by the number of days in the same period.
•    Calculation method: 

Average daily number of flights = 

Number of complaints per 100,000 passengers:
To calculate the number of complaints per 100,000 passengers, the total number of complaints recorded during the reference period is divided by the total number of passengers during the same period, then multiplied by 100,000.
•    Calculation method:

Number of complaints per 100,000 passengers = 

On-time performance rate:
To calculate the on-time performance rate, the number of flights that departed or arrived on time according to the approved operational standard is divided by the total number of scheduled flights during the same reference period, then multiplied by 100.
•    Calculation method:

Seasonal adjustments

The impact of seasonal variations in air transport activities is addressed by comparing results with the same period of the previous year to ensure a more accurate interpretation of changes, with statistical methods applied for seasonal adjustment where necessary.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates the extent to which the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users of Air Transport Statistics data at GASTAT:
•    Tourism, Hajj, and Umrah Statistics.
•    International indicators.
Several external users and beneficiaries greatly benefit from Air Transport Statistics data, including:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.
Key variables that external users benefit from:

Completeness 

Air Transport Statistics data are based on administrative records from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the Air Connectivity Program, as well as data from government and private entities associated with air transport activities, to provide comprehensive information on air transport. Accordingly, Air Transport Statistics data are complete.

Accuracy and reliability 

A criterion that indicates the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the accurate or actual values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

•    Data are examined and compared with previous years to identify any significant changes in the data.
•    The internal consistency of the data is verified before finalization.
•    Relationships between variables are examined, and consistency across different data series is ensured.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.

Timeliness 

GASTAT is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement and clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

Data are released in accordance with the schedule specified in the statistical calendar. In the event of any delay in publication, the reasons are provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

Air Transport Statistics data follow standardized definitions, classifications, and methodologies in the production of airport-level indicators in Saudi Arabia, ensuring geographical comparability within Saudi Arabia.
They are also based on internationally recognized concepts and standards in transport statistics, supporting comparability with similar international indicators.

Comparability - over time 

annual administrative data product. The data are considered temporally comparable due to the use of a standardized production methodology when calculating indicators across years. No substantial changes have occurred in the concepts, definitions, or processing methods used that would affect comparability across time periods.
Maintaining consistency in data sources, integration and matching mechanisms, and data quality validation rules supports the temporal comparability of published indicators, enabling the monitoring of the development of air transport activities and related indicators over time, and the measurement of changes in a systematic and consistent manner.

Coherence- Cross domain

The data are considered consistent, as this is verified against other statistics that include similar indicators and standardized definitions in the air transport sector.
These procedures contribute to ensuring integration and consistency across statistics, thereby enhancing data reliability and the quality of analysis based on them, and ensuring that the results are free from any unjustified inconsistencies.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable, as Air Transport Statistics are published annually, with no sub-annual publications issued.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable, as Air Transport Statistics do not include economic (financial) data.

Coherence- Internal 

Air Transport Statistics data are characterized by internal consistency, as logical checks are applied to ensure the alignment of values across variables, thereby supporting consistency in air transport data in Saudi Arabia.

Accessibility and clarity

It refers to users’ access to data, the availability of detailed and aggregate data, and the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 9.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

GASTAT regularly publishes Air Transport Statistics publications and reports according to a pre-defined publication plan, and they are made available on GASTAT’s website.
GASTAT ensures that its results are disseminated in a manner that serves the needs of all users, through various formats, including statistical tables, data visualizations of indicators, and the Methodology and Quality Report, in both Arabic and English.
Air Transport Statistics results are available at:
Air Transport Statistics

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database:
Statistical database.

Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

Air Transport Statistics Standards:
GASTAT carries out all its statistical activities in accordance with a unified methodology that is aligned with the nature of each statistical product. In doing so, it relies on the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), which is consistent with the procedures adopted by international organizations, in coordination with the relevant entities.
•    For more details, please refer to the following link.
Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
•    Reference Manual for the ICAO Statistics Programs
Issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), this manual provides a unified methodological framework for compiling, preparing, and disseminating air transport statistical data. It offers standardized guidelines for government entities, airlines, and airports, ensuring the consistency of data reported at the international level and enhancing its use for analysis and international comparisons.

•    Transport Statistics Glossary 
Issued by the Intersecretariat Working Group comprising Eurostat, the International Transport Forum, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Fourth Edition, this glossary serves as a unified international reference for defining and classifying transport concepts, including air transport. It aims to harmonize terminology across countries to ensure consistency and comparability of statistical data at the international level.
Transport Statistics Glossary

Quality assurance

GASTAT ensures that the following principles are taken into account: Impartiality; ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical operations; and reduction of the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT carries out all statistical activities in accordance with the National Version of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM). During the comprehensive evaluation stage, which is the final stage of the GSBPM, information collected across all stages and sub-processes is used to prepare an evaluation report that summarizes all challenges related to the quality of each statistical process and serves as input for improvement and development actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

Air Transport Statistics are included in the statistical calendar. 
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients’ needs, so it provides them with the results of Air Transport Statistics immediately upon their release.
Customer questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results are also received through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:   info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).