News

The Kingdom, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), participated with a high-level delegation led by His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of GACA’s Board of Directors, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, alongside His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, and a number of CEOs and experts in aviation, airports, aviation services, and the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), in the Changi Aviation Summit 2026 and the Singapore Airshow, held from 1 to 3 February 2026 in the Republic of Singapore.   This participation comes as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in major international forums and contribute to shaping the future of global aviation.   Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Changi Aviation Summit reflects its firm commitment to enhancing international cooperation and playing an active role in shaping the future of civil aviation. The summit serves as a high-level strategic platform for dialogue among decision-makers and industry leaders on key challenges and opportunities facing the aviation sector amid rapid global developments.   This participation also highlights the Kingdom’s advanced position and influential role as a key player in global aviation. Through this engagement, GACA aims to keep pace with the latest technological and regulatory advancements and reinforce principles of safety, security, and operational efficiency in line with international standards.   During the visit, the President of GACA and Vice Presidents toured the Singapore Airshow 2026, one of the world’s leading platforms for showcasing advanced aviation technologies. They reviewed the latest innovations in aerospace, manufacturing, operations, and supporting services, as well as future solutions aimed at enhancing sector efficiency and competitiveness.   The visit underscores the civil aviation system’s commitment to strengthening direct engagement with major international companies and organizations, exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships that support knowledge transfer and technology localization in the Kingdom.   These engagements reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s direction toward adopting innovative solutions that enhance its position as a global hub for aviation and logistics services, in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy under the Aviation Program and Saudi Vision 2030.   On the sidelines of the summit, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and Singapore’s Acting Minister of Transport, Mr. Jeffrey Siow, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and Singapore Airlines, in the presence of the President of GACA and Chairman of the ACP Executive Committee, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, and the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Han Kok Juan.   The agreement aims to enhance air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Singapore by launching the first direct air route linking Singapore and Riyadh, supporting tourism and trade flows and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional air transport hub.   In the presence of the President of GACA, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services held bilateral meetings with Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport, Jeffrey Siow; France’s Minister for Transport, Philippe Tabarot; the President of the ICAO Council, Toshiyuki Onuma; and Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, during which they discussed strengthening cooperation, exchanging expertise, and advancing collaboration in air transport and aviation innovation.   The President of GACA also met with senior officials from Boeing, Brazil’s National Aviation Agency, and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) to discuss strategic partnerships and localization of aviation industries in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.   Meanwhile, GACA’s Deputy President for Air Transport and International Cooperation met with Japan’s Deputy Assistant Minister for International Civil Aviation to explore further cooperation in civil aviation.

The Kingdom continues to consolidate its position as a global aviation hub, following the inclusion of several air routes linked to its airports among the world’s busiest routes in 2025, according to the ranking issued by OAG, a leading aviation data company. This achievement reflects the rapid growth witnessed by the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector, supported by increased airport capacity, rising demand for air travel, and improved operational efficiency — in alignment with the objectives of the Aviation Program, derived from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. The Jeddah–Riyadh route ranked fifth globally among the busiest domestic air routes in 2025, with a total seat capacity of 9.8 million seats, recording annual growth of 13%, and an increase of 22% compared to 2019 levels. Meanwhile, the Cairo–Jeddah route ranked second among the world’s busiest international routes in 2025, with a total seat capacity of 5.8 million seats, achieving 5% annual growth compared to 2024 and a remarkable 71% increase compared to 2019 levels, reflecting strong and growing demand on this vital route. In the same context, the Dubai–Riyadh route ranked seventh among the world’s busiest routes in 2025, with a seat capacity of 4.5 million seats, registering 4% annual growth compared to 2024 and a 42% increase compared to 2019 levels. This global ranking affirms the success of efforts led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in collaboration with its partners in the aviation ecosystem, to strengthen air connectivity, enhance operational efficiency, and expand the international route network — supporting tourism and business movement while boosting the competitiveness of Saudi airports regionally and globally. The inclusion of these routes among the world’s busiest serves as a clear indicator of the qualitative transformation taking place in the Kingdom’s aviation sector, and its growing role in supporting the national economy and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a major hub for international air transport.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector achieved exceptional growth in 2025, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and an enabler of Saudi Vision 2030. The sector continued to develop as an integrated aviation ecosystem that strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents. Saudi airports recorded strong performance in 2025. Passenger numbers exceeded 140 million, representing growth of approximately 9%, while the number of international destinations increased to 176. With regard to serving Pilgrims, GACA successfully implemented the operational plan for the arrival and departure phase of Hajj 1446H. More than 19 million passengers and pilgrims were transported on over 128,000 flights operated by 116 airlines from 1 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1446H to 15 Muharram 1447H (29 April – 10 July 2025). More than 1.4 million pilgrims arrived through six main airports using 12 passenger terminals, supported by over 25 governmental, security, and operational entities and more than 18,000 personnel. More than one million pilgrims benefited from the “Passenger With No Bag” service, which transported luggage directly between airports and pilgrims’ places of residence. The service handled over 1.6 million bags across more than 3,000 flights. In addition, 856,000 Zamzam water containers were shipped in advance, while 253,000 passengers benefited from the initiative linking pilgrims’ flights with the Haramain High-Speed Railway in partnership with SAR. Internationally, the Kingdom was re-elected to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the 2025–2028 term after receiving 175 votes out of 184, maintaining its membership since 1986. This reflected international recognition of the Kingdom’s role in shaping global civil aviation policies during the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada. The Kingdom was also unanimously elected to represent the Arab Group on the ICAO Council during the 30th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization in Rabat, Morocco. In infrastructure development, His Royal Highness the Governor of the Eastern Province inaugurated the master plans for King Fahd International Airport, Al Ahsa International Airport, and Al Qaisumah Airport. Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services launched the phased operation of International Terminal 1 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as part of the expansion of Terminals (1) and (2), alongside major expansion projects at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In digital transformation, GACA launched the first Air Cargo Security Monitoring Center — an AI-based platform designed to enhance logistics efficiency and improve air cargo operations. GACA also introduced the Ajwaa digital platform, along with its new corporate identity and official website. In safety and quality, the sector achieved advanced compliance levels in ICAO safety and cybersecurity evaluations. GACA received two gold awards for Best Public Service Center and Best Customer Service in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region at the Global Contact Center Conference in Berlin. GACA also launched the Passenger Journey Observatory, providing real-time performance data across the aviation system, and ranked among the most improved entities in the 2025 Spending Efficiency Sustainability Program. GACA obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management, the Bronze Award in the King Abdulaziz Quality Award, the Labaytom Award for excellence in serving pilgrims, and ISO 14001:2015 certification for environmental management, in addition to several awards under the National Industry and Logistics Development Program (NIDLP). Saudi airports received multiple Skytrax awards for passenger experience and service quality, supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to attract more international airlines and direct routes. To strengthen investment, GACA launched the Aviation Investor Guide and granted Riyadh Air its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). It also licensed FlexJet and VistaJet for on-demand private flights starting 1 May 2025, granted FedEx an economic license as a foreign cargo carrier, and authorized Jetex to provide ground handling services at Red Sea International Airport. In ground handling, Swissport Saudi expanded operations to 10 additional airports in line with Vision 2030 objectives. In capacity expansion, GACA selected the Air Arabia consortium to establish a new low-cost national carrier based in Dammam to operate from King Fahd International Airport, alongside approvals for Al Jazeera Airways and BEOND to operate charter flights in the Kingdom. In safety oversight, GACA carried out more than 62,000 regulatory activities in 2025 — an increase of 8.85% — including updating 34 regulations, launching 137 safety initiatives, conducting 547 inspections, and implementing over 100 compliance actions. More than 11,525 safety reports were processed, 710 specialized training seats were delivered, and over 49,000 licensing activities were completed. Internationally, GACA established over 14 strategic partnerships, signed 10 MoUs, concluded 21 bilateral air service agreements, and finalized 25 operational MoUs with countries including Iceland, Luxembourg, Canada, Italy, and Panama. The Kingdom participated in more than 151 international forums, including its first appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and hosted six specialized aviation safety and security events. In 2025, 14 new foreign airlines were licensed — 10 passenger and 4 cargo — including Virgin Atlantic, Hainan Airlines, and FedEx. Nearly 20 new international destinations were added through 12 airlines, including routes to Red Sea International Airport, Hail, and Abha. In passenger services, GACA implemented universal accessibility standards across all airports to support persons with disabilities, introduced smart navigation systems, and strengthened service quality monitoring. GACA affirmed that the achievements of 2025 reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding connectivity toward 250 international destinations, increasing air cargo capacity, and strengthening its position as a global logistics hub.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) met today with His Excellency Mr. Ahmad Farooq, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, both sides reviewed existing bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of civil aviation and discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation in the air transport sector in a manner that serves mutual interests and contributes to the development of air traffic between the Kingdom and Pakistan. The meeting also addressed a number of topics of common interest and explored opportunities to expand areas of partnership in alignment with the objectives of the Aviation Program and Saudi Vision 2030.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) met today at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh with Mr. Yasunari Morino, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries in the fields of air transport and civil aviation, and discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation. The meeting also addressed a number of topics of mutual interest and the promising opportunities offered by the Kingdom’s aviation sector to achieve the objectives of the Aviation Program in line with Saudi Vision 2030.  

 In a step to reflect the accelerated progress toward achieving the objectives of the Aviation Program, 2025 statistics revealed record growth in Saudi Arabia’s air traffic, surpassing regional averages with a 9.6% increase in passenger numbers. This growth strengthened the Kingdom’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, driven by the expansion of tourism, global events, and increased international air connectivity. The 9.6% growth was the result of expanded airport capacity and enhanced air connectivity. Saudi airports handled approximately 140.9 million passengers, including 76 million international and 65 million domestic travelers. This growth coincided with an 8.3% increase in flight movements, bringing the total number of flights to around 980,400, underscoring the sustainability of the sector’s recovery. This growth was particularly evident at major airports. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah led passenger traffic, accounting for 38% of the total, with a daily average of 146,000 passengers, exceeding its designed capacity by 107%. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh recorded a strong performance, handling 29% of total passengers, with an average of 112,000 passengers per day. Meanwhile, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam registered historic increases, with capacity utilization exceeding 137% and 112%, respectively. On the international front, the Kingdom secured air connectivity to 176 international destinations with high service frequencies of 52 flights or more annually, enhancing ease of access from various continents. Saudi Arabia also reinforced its presence among the world’s busiest air corridors, with the Cairo–Jeddah route ranking second globally with 5.8 million seats, while the Dubai–Riyadh route ranked seventh worldwide with 4.5 million seats. In parallel with passenger traffic growth, the air cargo sector recorded stable performance, with total cargo volumes reaching approximately 1.18 million tons. The three major airports Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam accounted for the largest share, reflecting the aviation sector’s role as a key driver of economic growth and logistics services. These figures confirm that 2025 marked a year of sustainability and growth, as the Kingdom continued to consolidate its role as a pivotal player in global aviation, positioning Saudi airports as an increasingly vital gateway connecting the world to future opportunities.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) hosted the Aviation Security Training Working Group (WGT) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) at its headquarters in Riyadh, from 26 to 28 January 2026. This marks the first time the Kingdom and the Middle East region has hosted this meeting. The discussions focused on key topics related to developing human capabilities in aviation security and addressing future challenges through advanced qualification and training programs. This initiative highlights the Kingdom’s leading role in the civil aviation sector and its active participation in international forums. It also aims to strengthen human capital development and promote the exchange of global best practices to ensure the highest security standards. The effort reflects GACA’s commitment to supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing cooperation and coordination with international organizations and member states, building a secure and sustainable future, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in the air transport industry.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector achieved exceptional growth in 2025, setting record figures in air traffic statistics.  GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej announced the figures during the 19th Steering Committee meeting to activate the Aviation Program, held Wednesday in Riyadh under his chairmanship.  Al-Duailej praised the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s leadership for the aviation sector as a pivotal enabler of Saudi Vision 2030. He highlighted the sector’s notable achievements in 2025, noting that the number of passengers exceeded 140 million, up about 9%. International destinations rose to 176, with the Kingdom maintaining three of the world’s busiest air routes.  He indicated that 2025 saw the strengthening of a competitive environment and the attraction of global investments, through the approval of new national carriers such as Riyadh Air and the Air Arabia Alliance, and the licensing of major international companies like FedEx and Swissport, in addition to enabling the private aviation sector.  He outlined key aspects of the 2026 plan, focusing on empowering the private sector to develop airports and increase their capacity, as well as the launch of more than 30 new routes. At the same time, he emphasized the need for full preparedness of all operational teams and the optimal deployment of national workforce talents to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, aiming to provide a seamless, spiritually enriching travel experience that reflects qualitative advancement in the logistics sector and the Kingdom’s global leadership.  Al-Duailej announced the April official launch in Riyadh of the fourth Future Aviation Forum, which has been endorsed by the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a leading global platform aimed at shaping the future of the aviation sector and addressing its major challenges through an ambitious Saudi vision.  The Aviation Program, derived from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, aims to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents, establish it as a world-class destination for tourism and business, and position it as a leading aviation center in the Middle East, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued today the classification index for air transport service providers and airports, based on the number of complaints submitted by passengers to the Authority during December 2025. GACA clarified that passenger complaints against airlines reached 2,113 complaints, noting that Flynas recorded the lowest complaint rate at 26 complaints per 100,000 passengers, with a complaint resolution rate of 100% within the specified timeframe for December. Flyadeal ranked second with 39 complaints per 100,000 passengers, also achieving a 100% on-time resolution rate, while Saudia ranked third with 42 complaints per 100,000 passengers, and an on-time resolution rate of 93%. The most frequent complaint categories in December related first to flights, followed by ticketing, and then baggage services. GACA indicated that Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah recorded the lowest complaint rate among international airports with more than six million passengers annually, at 0.4 complaints per 100,000 passengers, with 5 complaints in total and a 100% on-time resolution rate. Meanwhile, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jazan recorded the lowest complaint rate among international airports handling fewer than 6 million passengers annually, at 1% per 100,000 passengers, with 3 complaints and a 100% on-time resolution rate. In the category of domestic airports, Bisha Airport recorded the lowest complaint rate at 6% per 100,000 passengers, with 2 complaints and a 100% on-time resolution rate. GACA explained that issuing the monthly classification index for air transport service providers and airports — based on complaints received by the Authority — aims to provide passengers with clear information on the performance of service providers in handling customer complaints, enabling travelers to choose the most suitable provider. It also enhances transparency, demonstrates the Authority’s credibility and commitment to passenger rights, and promotes fair competition among air transport and airport service providers to improve service quality. In support of its airport partners, GACA issued regulatory circulars on handling passenger complaints at airports, which were distributed to airport operators. These circulars define the required controls and service-level agreements that must be followed for all types of complaints and inquiries. In addition, GACA conducted training workshops for employees of national airlines and ground-handling companies who have direct interaction with passengers, to ensure compliance with the Executive Regulations for the Protection of Customer Rights. It is worth noting that GACA has provided multiple communication channels available 24/7 to ensure continuous engagement with passengers and airport users through the following channels: Unified Call Center (1929), WhatsApp service at 0115253333, official social media accounts, email, and the official website. These channels receive complaints related to boarding passes, employee conduct, services for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, and other passenger services.

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al Jouf Region, toured the facilities of the new airport today during an inspection visit, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Mutaib bin Mishaal bin Badr bin Saud, Deputy Governor of the Region; Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser; President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej; and a number of officials. During the tour, His Royal Highness the Governor of Al Jouf, his Deputy, and attending officials were briefed on the airport’s facilities, infrastructure, and services that contribute to strengthening the air transport ecosystem in the region. His Royal Highness then headed to the Al Jouf Cultural Center in Sakaka, where he officially inaugurated the new Al Jouf International Airport. The project aligns with the objectives of the Aviation Program, derived from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to develop air transport infrastructure and enhance the level of services provided to beneficiaries. During the inauguration ceremony, GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej affirmed that the project enjoys the support of the wise leadership, may God protect them, and embodies the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing the efficiency of the civil aviation sector and achieving integration across the transport and logistics system. He noted that, God willing, trial operations of the airport are scheduled to commence in February, following the completion of the necessary operational procedures and tests. For his part, Chief Executive Officer of the Second Airports Cluster Eng. Ali Misrahi stated that the inauguration of Al Jouf International Airport reflects the leadership’s commitment, may God preserve it, to achieving development across all regions of the Kingdom. He added that the project represents a continuation of the development journey witnessed by the civil aviation sector, contributing to serving citizens, residents, and visitors, and supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The inauguration ceremony included a visual presentation highlighting the project’s implementation phases and facilities. The airport has a capacity of more than 1.6 million passengers annually, with a new passenger terminal covering an area of 24,000 square meters, comprising 16 check-in counters, 11 departure and arrival gates, and five passport control platforms. The new Al Jouf International Airport project also incorporates environmental sustainability practices through solutions that contribute to rationalizing energy consumption and enhancing operational efficiency, in support of the Kingdom’s national direction toward sustainable development. At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Governor of Al Jouf honored the entities participating in and supporting the project.

In a milestone achievement that reflects the evolution of regulatory frameworks and the strategic integration between the aviation and healthcare sectors, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that it has granted King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre the Dangerous Goods Preparation Certificate (DGPC). With this, the hospital becomes the first in the Kingdom to be officially licensed to prepare and transport radiopharmaceuticals by air, supported by its specialized facilities for producing radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with the highest approved standards. The certificate was issued in accordance with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (Part 109), following the hospital's successful fulfilment of all global technical and logistical requirements. This ensures the highest levels of safety and compliance with both local and international regulations governing the transport of such sensitive materials. This license carries significant importance due to the nature of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine and PET imaging departments. The initiative aims to achieve several goals, including overcoming time constraints by accelerating the air transport of radiopharmaceuticals from Riyadh to various regions of the Kingdom, given their limited shelf life (due to short radioactive half‑life). This ensures timely delivery to patients, supports the nuclear medicine ecosystem by meeting the growing needs of hospitals across the Kingdom, and guarantees continuity of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services with the highest efficiency. It also enhances the healthcare system by reducing reliance on long-distance land transport and increasing the use of air networks to ensure the quality and effectiveness of these vital medical materials. Captain Suliman bin Saleh Al‑Muhaimeedi, Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, affirmed that the issuance of this license reflects the Authority’s commitment to enabling national institutions by providing a regulatory and legislative environment that supports the safe transport of hazardous and medical materials in line with global safety standards. He noted that this collaboration with King Faisal Specialist Hospital represents a model of integrated efforts that contribute to the realisation of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives in both the healthcare and logistics sectors. For her part, Dr. Jackie Ying, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, stated that obtaining this license underscores the hospital’s readiness and its technical and human capabilities to handle highly sensitive medical substances. She highlighted that the Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Department has produced more than thirty radiopharmaceutical products and delivered over 800,000 doses to date.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Duailej, met today at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh with the attendance of His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al Rumaih, and the participation of the CEO of the Saudi Railway Company, Dr. Bashar bin Khalid Al Malik, with Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs in the Government of the Republic of India, to discuss ways to advance bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector. The meeting addressed joint coordination for air transport services provided to pilgrims from the Republic of India for the 1447 AH Hajj season, as well as mechanisms to facilitate their arrival and departure through the Kingdom’s airports. The two sides also reviewed several topics related to enhancing air traffic and expanding avenues of cooperation between the two countries in a manner that serves their mutual interests.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Committee for Reviewing Violations of the Civil Aviation Law, has released its 2025 report, which documents the issuance of 609 violations. These included financial penalties exceeding SAR 13.8 million imposed on entities and individuals who breached the Civil Aviation Law, its executive regulations, and GACA’s official directives. The report shows that 404 violations were recorded against air carriers for failing to comply with GACA’s instructions, with fines totaling more than SAR 6.7 million. An additional 7 violations were issued for non‑compliance with executive regulations and directives, amounting to SAR 525,000 in fines. The Committee also issued 136 violations against air carriers for failing to adhere to the Passenger Rights Protection Regulation, with total fines exceeding SAR 5 million. Furthermore, 16 violations were issued against licensed companies for non‑compliance with GACA’s regulations, instructions, and requirements, with fines totaling more than SAR 1.1 million. The report also recorded 3 violations against companies that operated unmanned aircraft (drones) without obtaining the required authorization from GACA, with total fines of SAR 30,000. The report further revealed 43 violations issued against individuals, including 4 violations for operating drones without prior authorization, with fines totaling SAR 9,500. Another 37 violations were issued against passengers for committing prohibited behavior onboard aircraft, with total fines amounting to SAR 26,900. In addition, one violation was issued against an individual for breaching the Aviation Safety Executive Regulation, resulting in a fine of SAR 300,000, and another violation was issued against an individual who submitted false information when applying to renew a pilot license, with a fine of SAR 10,000. GACA emphasized that these measures reflect its commitment to transparency and clarity, and reaffirm its ongoing regulatory and supervisory role in the aviation sector, as well as its efforts to enhance passenger experience and improve the quality of air transport services in the Kingdom.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued today the classification index for air transport service providers and airports, based on the number of complaints submitted by passengers to the Authority during November 2025. GACA clarified that passenger complaints against airlines reached 1,150 complaints, noting that Flynas recorded the lowest complaint rate at 16 complaints per 100,000 passengers, with a 100% on-time complaint resolution rate for November. Flyadeal ranked second with 20 complaints per 100,000 passengers, also achieving a 100% on-time resolution rate, while Saudia ranked third with 23 complaints per 100,000 passengers, and an 80% on-time resolution rate. The most frequent complaint categories in November related first to flights, followed by ticketing, and then baggage services. GACA indicated that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh recorded the lowest complaint rate among international airports with more than six million passengers annually, at 0.4 complaints per 100,000 passengers, with 17 complaints in total and a 100% on-time resolution rate. Meanwhile, Abha International Airport recorded the lowest complaint rate among international airports handling fewer than six million passengers annually, at 0.2 complaints per 100,000 passengers, with one complaint and a 100% on-time resolution rate. In the category of domestic airports, King Saud Airport in Al-Baha recorded the lowest complaint rate at 6 complaints per 100,000 passengers, with two complaints and a 100% on-time resolution rate. GACA explained that issuing the monthly classification index for air transport service providers and airports — based on complaints received by the Authority — aims to provide passengers with information on the performance of service providers in handling customer complaints, enabling travelers to choose the most suitable provider. It also enhances transparency, demonstrates the Authority’s credibility and commitment to passenger complaints, and promotes fair competition among air transport and airport service providers to improve and develop services. In support of its airport partners, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to handle passenger complaints at airports, which was distributed to airport operators. The booklet defines the required controls and service-level agreements that must be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries. In addition, GACA conducted training workshops for employees of national airlines and ground-handling companies who have direct interaction with passengers, to ensure compliance with the Executive Regulations for the Protection of Customer Rights. It is worth noting that GACA has provided multiple communication channels available 24/7 to ensure continuous engagement with passengers and airport users through the following channels: Unified Call Center (1929), WhatsApp service at 0115253333, official social media accounts, email, and the official website. These channels receive complaints related to boarding passes, employee conduct, services for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, and other passenger services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has received three awards under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), winning in the Performance Track, the Investment Track, and the Distinguished Achievements Track during the program’s annual closing ceremony held today in Riyadh. GACA’s recognition in the Performance Track comes as an acknowledgment of its excellence in enhancing institutional and executive performance, and in achieving its operational and financial targets. The Authority also earned the Investment Track award for its efforts in strengthening the investment environment within the civil aviation sector, attracting high‑value investments, and launching promising investment opportunities in partnership with both the public and private sectors. The Authority further received the Distinguished Achievements Track award for inaugurating the world’s first Air Cargo Security Monitoring Center, in addition to launching the Integrated Transit Cargo Inspection Center—an advanced step that enhances supply chain security, improves operational efficiency, and accelerates procedures, thereby supporting the Kingdom’s competitiveness in the logistics sector. The ceremony witnessed the participation of representatives from private‑sector entities and government organizations, along with officials from the executive bodies affiliated with NIDLP. GACA stated that this recognition represents a culmination of its efforts in achieving the objectives of NIDLP and reaffirms its pivotal role in supporting the national economy and strengthening the civil aviation sector’s contribution to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify income sources and enhance the Kingdom’s regional and global competitiveness. For his part, Eng. Mohammed bin Fahd Al‑Khuraissi, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Business Intelligence at GACA, emphasized that the awards reflect the integration of strategic planning with effective execution. He said: “Receiving awards across the Performance, Investment, and Distinguished Achievements Tracks demonstrates the maturity of our institutional work system and the effectiveness of our strategy in developing the civil aviation sector and enhancing its investment appeal. We continue to work on empowering the sector, improving operational efficiency, and attracting high‑value investments, contributing to GDP growth and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for aviation and logistics services in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.