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His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Duailej, extended his congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect them, on the occasion of the advent of the month of Ramadan. He praised the generous care of the wise leadership, may God support it, and its great attention to facilitating the arrival of the guests of Allah, including pilgrims and visitors. He affirmed the commitment of the General Authority of Civil Aviation to its regulatory and supervisory role in enhancing the readiness of the air transport system, raising compliance with operational standards, and monitoring the adherence of carriers and operators to the highest safety requirements and service quality in airports, ensuring smooth air traffic and ease of arrival for the guests of Allah during the peak season of Ramadan and Eid al Fitr. He prayed that God Almighty accept everyone’s fasting and prayers, and that He return this blessed occasion to our country as it continues to enjoy security and prosperity under its wise leadership, may God preserve it.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the granting of an economic license to Universal Aviation to provide ground handling services at the private aviation terminal of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Under this license, the company will be able to provide ground handling services and operate and manage the private aviation terminal at King Fahd International Airport after meeting the economic requirements in accordance with the regulations and laws in force in the Kingdom. This announcement came during an inauguration ceremony held today under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, marking the launch of the private aviation terminal project and the upgrade of the Category III instrument landing system on the western runway at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The event was attended by Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of GACA, and Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Duailej, President of GACA and Chairman of Matarat Holding, along with several dignitaries and officials. This strategic step aligns with the objectives of the Aviation Program, which aims to open new investment opportunities in the private aviation market and provide flexible operational options that meet the growing demand for private flights and business aviation services, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector. Universal Aviation is considered one of the leading global companies in this field, providing services in more than 30 countries around the world. The company has also developed an investment plan to expand its services at airports across the Kingdom, including the operation and management of private aviation terminals at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Under this license, Universal Aviation will be able to operate and manage the private aviation terminal at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, contributing to the growth of the private aviation market and meeting the accelerating needs of the tourism and commercial sectors, while fully complying with local and international environmental and technical regulations. Awad bin Atallah Al Sulami, Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics Services at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, affirmed that granting this license reflects the Authority’s commitment to supporting and developing the civil aviation sector, particularly private aviation. He noted that attracting international operators to work in the Kingdom directly enhances the quality of services provided and supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub and a central aviation gateway in the region. He added that the Authority is working to advance transformation through the development of a new regulatory and economic framework designed to make the aviation environment in the Kingdom more attractive and competitive. This includes strengthening partnerships with the private sector in the private aviation category by expanding the issuance of operating licenses and developing private aviation terminals and services, thereby supporting the growth of high value services and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional center for private and business aviation. This license comes as part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to develop general aviation activities and enhance competitiveness. In 2025, the Authority granted two similar licenses to Jetex Arabia and Alliance Aviation Arabia, reinforcing its role as a leading regulator of the air transport industry through strategic partnerships that strengthen the sector’s capabilities and improve operational efficiency in line with the objectives of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al‑Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), received today at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom, Mr. Madiyar Menilbekov. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the bilateral relations between their countries, explored avenues for cooperation, and discussed ways to enhance joint collaboration in the aviation sector.

Saudi Ground Services Company organized the “Leadership in Safety” Forum today in Riyadh, under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al‑Duailej, and in the presence of the CEO of Matarat Holding Company, Raed bin Hassan Al‑Idrissi, and the CEO of Saudi Ground Services Company, Mohammed Mazi. The event also included the participation of senior leaders and safety and operations executives from local and international airlines, as well as CEOs and representatives of strategic partners in the aviation sector, along with experts and specialists from inside and outside the Kingdom in the fields of safety and airport ground services, in addition to representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Captain Suleiman bin Saleh Al‑Muhaimeedi, Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Sustainability at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, emphasized that operational safety represents the fundamental pillar of the civil aviation system in the Kingdom, and that strengthening it is a strategic priority in light of national ambitions to develop a world‑class aviation sector. He explained that the coming phase requires establishing an advanced safety culture, institutional integration among all partners, and the application of best practices and international standards in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to position the Kingdom as a global center for aviation, tourism, and logistics services. Al‑Muhaimeedi noted that the aviation safety system in the Kingdom is managed according to the highest professional standards and through a proactive methodology based on analysis and risk management. He affirmed that the positive indicators achieved reflect the commitment of the Authority and all sector entities to enhancing passenger safety and operational efficiency, supporting growth targets in the aviation sector and reinforcing sustainability within the objectives of the National Aviation Safety Program. For his part, Mohammed Mazi, CEO of Saudi Ground Services Company, affirmed that the company is proud of the patronage of His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al‑Duailej for this forum. He noted that safety is the cornerstone of all the company’s operational activities, and that the forum serves as a strategic platform to strengthen leadership in safety and exchange expertise with local and international partners, contributing to the development of ground‑handling services and raising performance levels across all airports in the Kingdom. The forum highlighted the latest global standards and practices in operational safety for ground‑handling services through specialized sessions and panel discussions presented by experts from the Authority, Saudi Ground Services Company, and international organizations. The discussions focused on innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development of operations to enhance performance and operational efficiency.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted AirX Charter a Foreign Operator Authorization under GACAR Part 129, authorizing the carrier to conduct domestic on-demand private jet operations within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thereby expanding customer choice and enhancing access to high-quality business and private aviation services. Granting authorization to AirX marks another important step in advancing the objectives of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as the leading aviation market in the Middle East by 2030. It also reflects continued progress under GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap, which is guiding the sector’s transformation by aligning infrastructure development, regulation, and investment opportunities to meet rising demand for premium private aviation services among business travellers and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNW) across the Kingdom. The authorization was presented at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh by Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidi, GACA’s Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, to Mr. Houssam Hazzoury, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirX, following AirX’ssuccessful fulfilment of all regulatory, operational, and aviation safety requirements under Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Law. Commenting on the authorization, Captain Al-Muhaimidisaid: “Saudi Arabia’s general aviation market is experiencing strong growth, driven by rising demand for business and private aviation and supported by the Kingdom’s broader economic transformation. Welcoming new international operators such as AirX enhances competition, strengthens service quality, and ensures adherence to the highest international aviation safety standards.” Houssam Hazzoury, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirX, said: “Receiving GACA approval marks a significant milestone for AirX and enables us to expand our operational presence in Saudi Arabia. We look forward to delivering world-class private aviation services that align with the Kingdom’s aviation ambitions under Vision 2030 and support the continued growth of its dynamic general aviation market.” Under the authorization, AirX will commence domestic on-demand operations between airports across the Kingdom, supporting business aviation and premium tourism demand. This authorization supports the objectives of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as the leading aviation market in the Middle East by 2030. It also reflects continued implementation of GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap, guiding the sector’s transformation by aligning infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and investment opportunities to meet rising demand for premium private aviation services among business travellers and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNW) across the Kingdom.

Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is organizing the fourth annual Future Aviation Forum for April 20 to 22 in Riyadh. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and GACA Board Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the unlimited support extended to the transport and logistics sector. He said that holding the fourth annual forum under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques reflects the leadership’s commitment to boosting the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub linking three continents, in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, noting that the forum represents an international platform for exchanging innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in the aviation sector. The forum, which will see participation from more than 120 countries and over 11,000 aviation industry experts, will discuss global aviation sector issues, environmental sustainability development, and the enablement of advanced air mobility. It will also focus on advancing the objectives of the Aviation Program aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading logistics hub in the Middle East and providing an attractive investment environment. GACA invites all interested sides to register through the forum’s official website: https://futureaviation.gaca.gov.sa/en

The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the start of operational activities for “iHerb”, in cooperation with CJ Logistics, within the Special Integrated Logistics Zone at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This step reflects the accelerating pace of attracting high‑quality investments within the targets of the Aviation Program and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents. The launch of the company’s operational activities comes as an extension of the regulatory and operational efforts led by the Authority to transform legislative enablers into an integrated working environment that supports the growth of trade and air freight. This is achieved through advanced infrastructure, direct connectivity to air and land networks, and an operational and technological ecosystem that contributes to speeding up supply chains and improving efficiency in reaching consumers. Awwad bin Attallah Al‑Sulami, Executive Vice President for Economic Policies and Logistics Services at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, affirmed that the launch of iHerb’s operational activities in Riyadh reflects the competitive enablers provided by the Special Integrated Logistics Zone within the targets of the Aviation Program aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center. He said: “At the level of logistics investment, we inaugurated the Special Integrated Logistics Zone in Riyadh and granted licenses to 17 investors in the fields of technology, logistics services, and advanced supply chains, with future investments estimated at more than 4 billion riyals, and a leasable area of 575,000 square meters, representing about 70% of the leasable area of the first phase of the zone. This makes it a pivotal platform for trade and logistics activities in the region.” Al‑Sulami explained that the attractive regulatory environment developed by the Authority allows 100% foreign ownership, in addition to tax and commercial incentives and facilitations that contribute to attracting major global companies and enhancing the growth of the logistics sector in the Kingdom. He noted that these incentives are not only aimed at attracting investments, but also at enabling knowledge transfer, localizing supply chains, and creating high‑quality job opportunities. This step comes as part of an integrated roadmap implemented by the Authority in partnership with the transport and logistics ecosystem, with the aim of enhancing national air cargo capabilities, improving the efficiency of supply chains, and supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to make the Kingdom a global logistics platform and a key hub for international trade.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Executive Vice President for Air Transport and International Cooperation, Mr. Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, participated in a panel discussion organized by the Ministry of Interior titled "The Future of Cross‑Border Mobility," held as part of the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh. The Executive Vice President affirmed that the Kingdom is leading a new phase in facilitating travel through 141 international agreements, noting that current efforts focus on replacing traditional identity and paper‑based verification with biometric identity verification technologies, such as facial and iris recognition. These technologies make travel more secure and faster, while reducing attempts at identity fraud. He explained that the use of digital travel credentials via smartphones represents the future, as this technology enables passengers to complete their procedures before arriving at the airport. The Kingdom is working to strengthen international cooperation for the mutual recognition of these digital identities, ensuring smooth passenger flow while fully safeguarding border security and national sovereignty, keeping Saudi airports positioned as smart global hubs. Regarding operational coordination, Ali Rajab stated that there is an integrated collaborative effort between security agencies, regulatory bodies, and airlines. GACA sets the regulatory frameworks, while the National Passenger Security Center conducts security data reviews before flight departure to ensure a "barrier‑free journey" from booking to arrival. He noted that this model is based on three core principles: clarity of roles, protection of data privacy and confidentiality, and the application of the highest oversight standards. These steps aim to enhance the efficiency of Saudi airports and make the passenger experience more seamless, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objective of becoming a leading global logistics hub.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) met today with His Excellency Javier Martínez Acha, Minister of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Panama, along with the accompanying delegation, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, both sides held a session in which they reviewed topics of mutual interest in the field of civil aviation and discussed mechanisms to activate institutional cooperation aimed at increasing air connectivity between the Kingdom and the Republic of Panama, in alignment with the objectives of the Aviation Strategy and in support of Saudi Vision 2030, while the discussions also explored opportunities for technical and strategic partnerships in addition to enhancing cooperation between GACA and Tocumen International Airport in Panama, one of the key logistical hubs in Central America, particularly in the areas of exchanging operational expertise and developing air navigation services.  

Vice President of Strategy and Business Intelligence at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Eng. Mohammed Alkhuraisi participated in a panel discussion at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Private Sector Forum.   Alkhuraisi underscored the aviation industry’s role in supporting and empowering the private sector, outlining the objectives of the aviation program and the institutional transformation led by GACA to foster an attractive investment environment.   He emphasized that GACA has evolved from an airport operator into a regulator and enabler of investment. This transformation aims to establish a robust regulatory framework that supports sustainable growth, boosts investor confidence, and drives the aviation industry's expansion.   Alkhuraisi also reviewed the aviation program’s objectives, which include increasing passenger capacity to 330 million annually by 2030, expanding the air connectivity network to over 250 international destinations, growing the national carriers’ fleet to more than 600 aircraft, and launching new carriers to enhance competitiveness and seat availability.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed a banking services agreement with Arab National Bank, aimed at providing GACA and its employees with an integrated package of banking services that will help streamline financial operations and enhance transparency, in full alignment with relevant regulations and guidelines. The agreement was signed at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. Representing GACA in the signing was the Executive Vice President for Shared Services, Mr. Mohammed bin Abdulmajeed Al‑Hamad, while Arab National Bank was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Retail Banking, Mr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al‑Rashed, in the presence of several officials from both sides. This agreement reflects GACA’s commitment to advancing its financial ecosystem and strengthening its strategic partnerships with the banking sector, in a way that supports its operational activities and enables it to achieve the objectives of the Aviation Program.

His Excellency, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of civil aviation at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh with the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of Spain. The MoU was signed on the Spanish side by His Excellency, the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Mr. Óscar Puente. The MoU provides for enhanced technical, administrative, regulatory, operational, and technological cooperation in civil aviation between the two countries. It also aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration based on mutual benefit and respect, in accordance with the laws, regulations, and directives in force in both nations. The signing of the MoU aligns with the objectives of the Aviation Program, which seeks to build international partnerships and conclude new bilateral agreements that support the program’s ambitious goals. These include expanding the Kingdom’s air connectivity to 250 international destinations, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub, and increasing annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej affirmed that the qualitative steps in Saudi-Syrian cooperation in civil aviation—most notably the establishment of “flynas Syria” and the signing of a memorandum of understanding to develop and operate Aleppo International Airport—reflect a strategic approach to building an integrated aviation system that enhances regional connectivity and supports economic development in both countries. Al-Duailej noted that the establishment of the new carrier represents an important addition to the air connectivity network, contributing to facilitating passenger movement and promoting trade and tourism. He indicated that the Aleppo International Airport development and operation project constitutes a key pillar for enhancing aviation infrastructure and creating a sustainable operational and investment environment, in line with global best practices in civil aviation. He also affirmed that these steps reflect the commitment of the leaderships of both countries to strengthening strategic cooperation in vital sectors, particularly civil aviation, thereby consolidating economic integration and advancing bilateral partnership toward broader and more sustainable horizons. “We are ready to work in an integrated manner with our brothers in Syria through multiple channels, including airport development and upgrading air navigation infrastructure, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and strengthening regional and international air connectivity,” Al-Duailej said. The remarks were made during the ceremony preceding the signing of the agreement to establish “flynas Syria” and the announcement of the strategic MoU to develop and operate Aleppo International Airport, in the presence of Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and a high-level Saudi delegation led by the Minister of Investment. The initiatives fall within the framework of strategic investment agreements between the two countries, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in civil aviation and supporting development projects with sustainable impact. Al-Duailej further affirmed that GACA will continue working with relevant bodies to ensure compliance with the highest regulatory and operational standards, enhance aviation safety and security, reinforce the region’s position as an active air hub, and contribute to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to empower the aviation sector and expand regional and international air connectivity. In December 2025, the GACA president and president of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport signed in Riyadh a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation and held discussions to update the Air Services Agreement. The agreements aim to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation and bilateral collaboration based on shared interests and mutual respect, in accordance with the laws, regulations, and instructions in force in both countries, as well as to establish regulatory frameworks governing air transport operations between the two states.

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.