Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy is being redefined through long-term targets for passenger throughput, cargo volumes, and global connectivity. Vision 2030 established aviation as a core economic enabler rather than a supporting service. The kingdom is aiming for 330 million passengers annually by 2030 and air cargo volumes of 4.5 million tons, supported by new airports, terminals, and logistics zones. Fleet expansion plans, including 460 aircraft orders across four airlines, underpin long-term capacity growth. For suppliers and investors, this creates a sustained pipeline rather than a cyclical opportunity.

Reflecting the growing opportunity in the region, Niche Ideas established the Global Airports Forum as a Saudi-focused B2B platform, reflecting the scale of projects under way and the need for international participation. From its first edition, the forum expanded in line with capital commitments and traffic growth, attracting airport operators, logistics firms, technology providers, and government stakeholders. The 2025 edition will occupy four halls at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, hosting more than 300 exhibitors and over 10,000 attendees.

“The idea to have a dedicated B2B platform exclusively for Saudi Arabia took a firm root when the Vision 2030 was unveiled in April 2016 to tectonically transform its economy and society, to soar higher than ever before and ensure a bold and diversified future,” Daniyal Quershi, Director of Special Events at Niche Ideas DMCC, said. “Under the blueprint for the future, the country began focusing on transforming its aviation sector, including cargo and logistics, to become a global hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. In less than four years, we were able to fulfil the aspirations of the global aviation industry stakeholders who are keen on tapping the most promising growth market.”

Airfreight has moved from a supporting role to a strategic priority within Saudi Arabia’s transport policy. e-commerce growth, supply chain diversification, and geopolitical re-routing have increased reliance on air cargo across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is responding with dedicated cargo zones, customs reform, and integration with multimodal logistics corridors.

Operationally, these changes are reshaping airport design, ground handling requirements, and workforce skills. Automation, cybersecurity resilience, and digital customs clearance are becoming baseline requirements rather than competitive advantages. Saudi Arabia’s air cargo market value is projected to rise from US$2.87 billion in 2024 to US$5.03 billion by 2033, supported by fleet expansion and logistics zone development.

For international operators, Saudi Arabia’s approach reduces entry friction. Integrated cargo zones, bonded facilities, and multimodal links lower dwell times and operating costs. The national cargo fleet is planned to expand from seven to 27 aircraft by 2030, reinforcing long-haul and regional connectivity. These measures position Saudi Arabia as both a destination market and a transit hub linking Asia, Europe, and Africa.

“The air cargo industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by rapid technological innovation, evolving customer demands, sustainability imperatives, and the ever-changing tides of global trade,” Quershi said. “The explosive growth of e-commerce has become a primary catalyst for air cargo development in the Middle East. The rise of e-commerce has transformed air cargo dynamics, prompting enhancement of infrastructure and digital capabilities.”

As aviation and logistics investment scales, B2B platforms are playing a more direct role in market entry and partnership formation. Saudi Arabia’s regulatory reforms, visa liberalisation, and private sector participation targets have increased interest from international firms, many of which lack on-the-ground networks. Exhibitions provide structured access to decision-makers across airports, airlines, and government entities.

Saudi Arabia’s logistics market generated US$136.3 billion in revenues in 2024 and is expected to reach US$198.9 billion by 2030. The kingdom’s ranking on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index improved to 38th in 2023 from 55th in 2018, reflecting infrastructure upgrades and service quality improvements. Private entities are expected to contribute 80 percent of targeted logistics investment under Vision 2030.

Regionally, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are consolidating their positions as complementary air cargo hubs. Saudi Arabia held a 37 percent share of the AGCC air freight transport market in 2024, while the UAE continues to expand capacity and efficiency. Both markets are investing in sustainable ground handling, alternative fuels, and integrated logistics ecosystems.

“Nearly half of the international companies that have been participating in our show in the past four years have met with Saudi stakeholders for the first time through our platform,” Quershi said. “We have seen investments and partnerships rising in airports and the entire aviation ecosystem. Several Western companies have already benefitted through their new Saudi deals.”