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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the committee responsible for reviewing violations of the Civil Aviation Law, has released its report for the third quarter of 2025. The report highlights the issuance of 246 violations, resulting in financial penalties exceeding SAR 4.8 million imposed on entities and individuals who breached the Civil Aviation Law, its executive regulations, and GACA’s official directives. The report revealed that 237 of the violations were issued against air carriers for failing to ensure passengers had the required documents and for violating GACA’s instructions. These fines amounted to over SAR 4.5 million. Additionally, 4 violations were issued to licensed companies and carriers for non-compliance with executive regulations, totaling SAR 260,000 in fines. Furthermore, the committee issued 3 violations against air carriers for failing to submit required data in accordance with GACA’s directives, with total fines reaching SAR 75,000. The report also noted a violation issued to an individual for operating a drone without obtaining prior authorization from GACA, resulting in a fine of SAR 1,000. Another violation was recorded for submitting false information during a flight license renewal application, with a fine of SAR 10,000. GACA emphasized that these actions reflect its commitment to transparency, regulatory oversight, and continuous improvement of the air transport sector. The authority remains dedicated to enhancing passenger experience and elevating the quality of air services across the Kingdom.  

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, chaired today the seventh meeting of the National Committee for Air Transport Facilitation, held at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh, with the participation of committee members representing relevant government entities. The meeting aimed to activate the committee’s work, during which several key topics were discussed, including: facilitating travel procedures at air ports, regulations related to aircraft, crew, and passengers, health procedures associated with air transport, and raising awareness among travelers regarding prohibited and hazardous materials. The meeting also included a visual presentation that addressed a number of topics related to streamlining procedures in the air transport sector. In addition, the current activities of the Authority and the committee’s future aspirations were reviewed, contributing to improved flow of movement at airports, development of technologies used to accelerate procedures, and reviewing the implementation of international regulations to support the achievement of the Aviation Program’s objectives.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today issued its air transport service provider and airport classification index for August 2025, which is based on the 2,313 total passenger complaints submitted to the authority during the month.  GACA releases this monthly index to enhance transparency, demonstrate its commitment to addressing passenger complaints, and stimulate fair competition among providers to develop and improve services. The most frequently reported complaint classifications for August were related to flights, followed by baggage services and tickets.  Among air carriers, Saudia Airlines recorded the fewest complaints, with 37 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a timely resolution rate of 98%. Flynas ranked second with 42 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a 100% timely resolution rate, while Flyadeal came in third with 43 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a 100% timely resolution rate.  The index also classified airports based on complaint volume. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah received the lowest number of complaints (24 per 100,000 passengers) among international airports serving over six million passengers annually, achieving a 96% timely resolution rate.  King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan recorded the lowest complaints in the category of international airports with fewer than six million passengers, with two complaints (two per 100,000 passengers) and a 100% resolution rate.  For domestic airports, King Saud Airport in Al-Baha had the fewest complaints (two per 100,000 passengers) with a 100% resolution rate.  To support continuous service improvement, GACA has provided airport operators with a guidelines booklet for handling passenger complaints, specifying service level agreements. The authority also conducts workshops to train employees of national airlines and ground handling companies on adhering to customer rights regulations. Passengers and visitors can submit feedback 24/7 through multiple communication channels, including the unified call center (1929), the WhatsApp service (0115253333), social media, email, and the official website.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), concluded its participation in the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, by signing 17 agreements and memoranda of understanding in the field of air transport. The Kingdom also submitted 31 working and information papers covering innovation, safety, sustainability, security, and passenger experience, and held 40 bilateral meetings to strengthen international cooperation in aviation. During the Assembly, ICAO’s Executive Council renewed Saudi Arabia’s membership for the 2026–2028 term, with the Kingdom receiving 175 out of 184 votes—maintaining its seat since 1986. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in shaping global civil aviation policy through its initiatives and commitment to international best practices. Leading the high-level Saudi delegation, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA, announced a generous donation of $1 million from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in support of ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative for the 2025–2028 cycle. The initiative aims to assist developing countries in implementing ICAO’s safety and security standards. ICAO also honored the Kingdom, represented by Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al-Fawzan, Chair of the Cooperative Aviation Security Program – Middle East (CASP-MID), in recognition of his leadership in enhancing aviation security capabilities across the region. The recognition underscores Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in supporting UN aviation programs and international efforts to ensure no country is left behind. Throughout the Assembly, Saudi Arabia signed 17 bilateral agreements and MoUs in air transport and held 40 bilateral meetings, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its global aviation footprint, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and improving safety and security standards—while offering more travel options to passengers. The Kingdom’s 31 submitted papers addressed a wide range of topics aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, including airport infrastructure development, air transport facilitation, environmental sustainability, carbon emissions reduction, and investment in biofuels and clean technologies. On the sidelines of the Assembly, Saudi Arabia hosted a reception attended by over 450 dignitaries, aviation leaders, diplomats, and ICAO member state representatives. The event featured a cultural exhibition showcasing traditional Saudi crafts such as weaving and leatherwork, along with folkloric performances from various regions of the Kingdom. A documentary film was also screened, highlighting the evolution of Saudi civil aviation and the Kingdom’s transformation into a modern aviation hub.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), played a prominent role at the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held in Montreal, Canada, from September 23 to October 3.  A high-level delegation, led by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and GACA Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser, presented 31 working and information papers across key areas, including innovation, safety, security, sustainability, quality, and air transport.  GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej emphasized that these papers align with Saudi Vision 2030's goal of transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub. They highlighted safety and security, including efforts to enhance aviation security and address emerging risks from advanced air mobility, such as drones and cyberattacks; sustainability, focusing on reducing carbon emissions, investing in biofuels, and clean technologies; and infrastructure and quality, advocating for airport infrastructure development and integrating the passenger experience into ICAO regulatory frameworks.  The delegation also reaffirmed the Kingdom's ambitious goals under the civil aviation program, aiming to reach 330 million passengers annually by 2030, double the number of international travel destinations to over 250, and increase air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons annually. Key proposals presented included facilitating humanitarian and relief flights by addressing permit delays and inconsistent fees, reflecting the ongoing efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and developing ICAO guidance materials for accrediting Air Navigation Service Providers to enhance global safety and efficiency.

During the 42nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held from September 23 to October 3 in Montreal, Canada, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a series of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding with 17 countries. These agreements reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its global presence in aviation and air transport, while establishing regulatory frameworks for air traffic, enhancing safety and security standards, and expanding travel options for passengers. The agreements aim to boost bilateral cooperation in air transport, develop regulatory and legislative frameworks for civil aviation, increase international air connectivity, and reinforce aviation safety and security. They also support economic and tourism development between the Kingdom and its partners. Among the signings, H.E. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), signed bilateral air transport agreements with Antigua and Barbuda and South Africa. These agreements are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to develop its air transport system and position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub — a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. As part of the Assembly’s agenda, H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to promote technical cooperation in infrastructure operations, modernization, and development. The agreement also includes the exchange of expertise and best practices based on mutual benefit and in accordance with the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia and AFCAC member states. In his capacity as President of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, Al-Duailej also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Arab Civil Aviation Organization and AFCAC to enhance regional collaboration and support civil aviation development across both regions. Additionally, Al-Duailej signed operational and cooperative memoranda of understanding and bilateral agreements with Brazil, Algeria, Belarus, Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Liberia, Georgia, the Union of the Comoros, and Seychelles. These agreements aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and modernize air transport cooperation in line with the legal and regulatory frameworks of each country. Further agreements were signed with Lithuania, China, Finland, Latvia, and Saint Lucia. Representing GACA in these signings was Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation.   These agreements contribute to the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Program, expanding the operational network of national carriers and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub. They also support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to connect with 250 international destinations and transport 330 million passengers annually by 2030 — in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.