News

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.