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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded this evening in Riyadh the activities of the “AVITHON Hackathon 2025,” organized in cooperation with Elm Company and the Saudi Digital Program, with the attendance of senior officials, experts, and innovators. In a speech delivered during the closing ceremony, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, stated that the “AVITHON Hackathon” represents a leading national platform that reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to transforming innovation into reality, contributing to the development of the aviation sector and the achievement of Vision 2030 objectives. He said: “The Aviation Program, stemming from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, has charted an ambitious vision for the future of this sector. It is centered on making the Kingdom a global hub for air connectivity, increasing annual passenger capacity to 330 million, and boosting air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tonnes by 2030, alongside developing infrastructure and enhancing sustainability in all aspects of operations.” He added: “To achieve these targets, we at GACA believe that innovation and modern technologies are the main drivers for improving operational efficiency, delivering exceptional user experiences, and strengthening the sector’s competitiveness on the global stage.” His Excellency praised the creative ideas and innovative solutions presented by the participants, noting that they were not merely technical projects but inspiring stories proving that determination and hard work can shape a more advanced and efficient future. He extended his appreciation to all partners, supporting entities, organizing committees, and everyone who contributed to the success of this challenge. The ceremony also featured a visual presentation chronicling the journey of the hackathon since its launch, followed by the presentation of the five most innovative ideas to the judging panel and the audience. At the conclusion of the event, His Excellency the GACA President crowned the winning teams after months of competition that brought together creative young talents from across the Kingdom. The ceremony also included honoring the organizing team and supporting partners. It is noteworthy that the “AVITHON Hackathon 2025” registered 1,720 participants representing 491 teams, who presented ideas and solutions across three main tracks: enhancing the customer experience in the aviation sector, sustainability in aviation, and aviation safety and security. A total of 241 participants, representing the top 50 teams, advanced to the semi-finals, while 60 participants, representing the top 15 teams, were awarded in the final judging stage. The event also featured more than 100 mentoring sessions for 50 teams, 300 written consultations for participants, and 80 workshops attended by 190 participants, with a total duration of 572 minutes. In addition, 357 questions were raised during the workshops, with a satisfaction rate of 98 percent. The challenge went through three successive judging stages conducted by three independent committees, under the supervision and follow-up of a higher committee from GACA to ensure the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

Today, His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), met 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, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the civil aviation sector.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the results of its 2024 Airport Service Quality Comprehensive Evaluation Program. The initiative, part of GACA’s broader strategic programs, aims to assess the quality of services provided to passengers across the Kingdom’s airports and enhance the overall travel experience. The 2024 edition of the Saudi Airports Awards was held during the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Activation of the Aviation Program, which took place today in Riyadh. The event was attended by GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Duailej, along with CEOs of airport companies and representatives from both public and private sector stakeholders operating within Saudi airports. During the ceremony, the results of the evaluation program were presented, followed by GACA President Al Duailej honoring the winning airports with commemorative plaques in recognition of their efforts throughout the past year. The awards aimed to promote positive competitiveness, reinforce transparency, and recognize the outstanding performance witnessed across the Kingdom’s airports. The awards were divided into two categories. The main awards recognized top-performing airports in each category based on passenger volume, with evaluations covering all elements of the comprehensive program including operational performance standards, facility and service quality assessments, passenger satisfaction surveys, and complaint handling. The secondary awards focused on excellence in key travel areas and processes within airports, such as check-in, passport control, security screening, customs inspection, baggage claim, services for persons with disabilities, and the most improved airport compared to 2023. Engineer Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Dahmash, Executive Vice President for Quality and Customer Experience, noted that in 2024, GACA issued nearly 500 reports under the program. These included 336 monthly reports on operational performance, 112 quarterly reports covering service standards and passenger satisfaction, 27 semiannual summary reports, and 28 annual reports summarizing overall results for the year. Al Dahmash stated that thanks to the collaborative efforts of airports and related entities, notable improvements were observed. The average overall score achieved by Saudi airports in the 2024 evaluation reached 86 percent, marking a 4 percent increase compared to the previous year. GACA classified airports into five categories based on the nature and volume of air traffic in 2024, setting tailored performance targets for each category. The authority also implemented a series of detailed criteria to improve the passenger experience. These efforts included monitoring and tracking performance indicators related to service quality, measuring passenger satisfaction, and involving stakeholders and beneficiaries in service improvement efforts. It is worth noting that GACA continues to prioritize enhancing the travel experience in Saudi airports in line with its supervisory and regulatory role over the aviation and airport sector. The authority regularly conducts field inspections and publishes monthly reports on operational performance and complaint metrics for both airport service providers and airlines. These efforts aim to evaluate current service levels and drive continuous improvement in line with international standards, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal to deliver world class service quality.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced a notable increase in the number of passengers and flights in the Kingdom during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Passenger numbers rose by 7% in the past six months, reaching over 66 million, up from 62 million in the same period last year. The number of flights increased by 4%, with nearly 463,800 flights recorded, compared to 445,800 flights in the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, air cargo volumes declined by 4%, reaching 575,000 tons compared to 597,000 tons in the same period of 2024. The number of destinations also grew by eight, reaching 140 destinations compared to 132 in the same period last year. These announcements were made during the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Activation of the Aviation Program, chaired by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA. The meeting was held in Riyadh in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Hassan, Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, as well as vice presidents, CEOs, officials, and directors representing national airlines and companies operating in the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector. During the meeting, His Excellency Al-Duailej expressed appreciation for the substantial support extended to the civil aviation sector by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He also reviewed key achievements both locally and internationally, including the launch of Dammam Airports Company’s strategic plan, which aims to serve over 19.3 million passengers annually at King Fahd International Airport by 2030 and increase cargo capacity to more than 600,000 tons per year. Additionally, GACA announced the awarding of a new low-cost national airline license to a consortium led by Air Arabia in partnership with Nesma Holding and Kun Holding. The airline will operate domestic and international flights to and from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, serving 24 domestic and 57 international destinations. The initiative aims to enhance air connectivity, transport nearly 10 million passengers annually via the airport by 2030, create more than 2,400 direct jobs, and contribute to the national GDP in line with the goals of the aviation sector program, while boosting tourism in Dammam and the Eastern Region. On the international front, the civil aviation sector participated in the Paris Air Show in June, where Saudi carriers announced significant aircraft purchase deals to support long-term goals in air connectivity and capacity expansion. Riyadh Air signed an agreement to purchase 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with options for 25 additional aircraft. Meanwhile, AviLease submitted its first direct order to Airbus for up to 77 aircraft. At the Farnborough Air Show, the Saudi Group announced an order for ten Airbus A330-900 aircraft for its subsidiary flyadeal. GACA also took part this July in the High-Level Aviation Week in Singapore and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Jeddah Airports Company and Changi Airport Group. Furthermore, a delegation visited Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to sign an air services agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Mongolia. His Excellency Al-Duailej emphasized the importance of redoubling efforts to improve the overall performance of the sector, strengthen civil aviation’s role, and enhance its competitiveness to meet the leadership’s aspirations for the development of this vital sector in service of citizens and travelers. He commended all employees in the civil aviation ecosystem for their dedication and collaborative efforts despite the challenges facing the industry. The meeting also discussed updates on the activation of the aviation program, progress on recommendations from the 16th steering committee meeting, and updates on strategies, goals, and priorities of national airlines and companies operating in the Kingdom's airports, ensuring alignment with the aviation program. In addition, GACA announced the results of the 2024 Airport Service Quality Comprehensive Evaluation Program. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej honored the top-performing airports in recognition of their efforts, promoting positive competition, transparency, and outstanding performance across the Kingdom’s airports. Awards were presented in two categories: main awards for the highest-rated airports in each passenger volume category, based on all evaluation program elements — including operational performance, service and facility quality, passenger satisfaction surveys, and complaints. Secondary awards were also presented for excellence in specific areas of the passenger journey within airports, such as check-in, passport control, security screening, customs inspection, baggage claim, services for passengers with disabilities, and the most improved airport compared to 2023.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the successful implementation of its operational plan for the Hajj season 1446 AH, revealing that more than 19 million passengers and pilgrims were transported by air through over 128,000 flights. The extensive operation took place between April 29 and July 10, 2025, and involved the participation of 116 air carriers from around the world.  GACA confirmed that more than 1.4 million pilgrims arrived at six major international airports across the Kingdom, utilizing 12 dedicated departure terminals. The achievement was made possible through the close coordination of over 25 government, security, and operational entities, supported by a workforce of more than 18,000 male and female employees. Their efforts ensured a seamless and efficient travel experience for the pilgrims, in line with Saudi Arabia’s long-standing commitment to facilitating the Hajj journey.  These accomplishments were highlighted during a ceremony held today at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, under the patronage of GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej. The event honored the various entities that contributed to the success of the operational plans for the Hajj and Umrah seasons.  Among the key services that stood out this year was the “Passengers with No Bags” initiative, which aimed to streamline the pilgrim journey by managing luggage transport directly from airports to pilgrims' places of residence. The number of beneficiaries surpassed one million, with more than 1.6 million pieces of luggage transported. Additionally, the initiative facilitated the pre-shipment of over 856,000 bottles of Zamzam water.  Another milestone was the initiative to connect Hajj flights with the Haramain High Speed Railway, in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). This initiative enabled 253,000 pilgrims to travel comfortably and efficiently between the airports and the holy sites, improving the overall transportation experience and reducing congestion on traditional ground routes.  GACA also played a key role in the Ministry of Interior’s “Makkah Route” initiative, one of the flagship programs under the broader “Pilgrims Experience Program” within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.  GACA designated six international airports to receive pilgrims: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu, Taif International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The latter two served as key hubs for connecting pilgrims’ flights. In close coordination with relevant government agencies, the air transport system worked diligently to ensure the highest levels of operational efficiency throughout the Hajj season.  The authority participated as a member of the supervisory committee and designated special terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah for the reception of pilgrims arriving through the initiative. Flights were carefully scheduled to avoid overlapping arrivals, contributing to a streamlined entry process.  The success of the Hajj season 1446 AH is part of a broader strategy led by GACA to elevate the Kingdom’s aviation sector, in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistic Services. This vision seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a regional aviation hub by the year 2030. Among the goals are increasing passenger traffic to 330 million annually, expanding air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons, and boosting air connectivity to reach 250 international destinations.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the winner of the competition for a new national low-cost carrier based in Dammam: the "Air Arabia Alliance." The new carrier will operate domestic and international flights to and from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, contributing to enhanced air connectivity for Eastern Region, increased seat capacity, improved service quality for travelers, and creating a competitive environment that offers more choices, all in line with the objectives of the aviation program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The announcement came during a ceremony in which Governor of Eastern Region Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the new identity and master plan for the King Fahd International Airport. The event also included the unveiling of the master plans for Al-Ahsa and Qaisumah international airports, the launch of the Dammam Airports Strategy, and the inauguration of a package of integrated development projects with a value exceeding SAR1.6 billion. The announcement followed a public competition that attracted bids from several low-cost airlines aiming to establish a new Saudi-majority-owned national carrier headquartered in Dammam. The winning bid came from a consortium comprising Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and Kun Investment Holding, which submitted the most competitive proposal. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA Saleh Al-Jasser said: “The Kingdom, under the support of its wise leadership, is witnessing unprecedented advancements in aviation and air transport projects, initiatives, and services.” He noted that launching a new low-cost carrier in Eastern Region is one of the initiatives of the aviation program derived from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej stressed that establishing a new low-cost national carrier based in Dammam is a major step toward achieving the aviation program’s goals. He highlighted that this step reflects GACA’s commitment to creating a competitive environment that offers more options for travelers across the Kingdom, especially in Eastern Region. He also pointed out that the volume and quality of the bids submitted illustrate the strong investment appeal of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. The new national low-cost carrier based in Dammam is expected to expand travel options by serving 24 domestic and 57 international destinations. It aims to connect nearly 10 million passengers annually through King Fahd International Airport by 2030, in support of the sector’s strategic goals. The project will also create over 2,400 direct jobs, contribute to GDP growth targets under the aviation program, and support economic development and tourism in Dammam and Eastern Region. The alliance is expected to complete licensing procedures and begin operations in 2026.