Energy efficiency trends in Saudi Arabian commercial aviation before and after COVID-19

Aviation is undergoing significant sustainability issues, making energy efficiency and emissions concerns crucial. This paper examines the energy efficiency patterns of flights departing from 20 airports in Saudi Arabia from 2017 to 2021, considering the influence of the COVID-19 outbreak and the efficiency of the aviation industry. The study assesses energy efficiency by analyzing historical patterns, the hypothetical situation of what could happen in the absence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the actual situation materialized within the Saudi aviation sector. The findings suggest that despite disruptive events, such as the pandemic and its management practice, aviation has improved its energy efficiency, with flights at some airports experiencing significant improvements due to effective management practices derived from changing previous conditions. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse concerning energy efficiency in aviation and supports the development of policies and measures to address energy and environmental-related challenges in the short and medium term.