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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.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and President of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej participated in Singapore’s High-Level Aviation Week, organized by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Singapore from July 13 to 18. The event brought together transport ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders from the aviation and maritime sectors to exchange insights on current and future challenges and the evolving landscape of global transport. Al-Duailej took part in a session where he addressed the significant challenges facing the global aviation industry, particularly managing the rapid surge in travel demand. Citing Airports Council International (ACI) estimates, he noted that global passenger numbers are expected to reach 12 billion by 2030, placing increasing pressure on infrastructure, supply chains, regulatory frameworks, human capital, and sustainability initiatives. He also highlighted regional challenges in the Middle East, including airspace closures, and the opportunities they present to enhance operational efficiency, expand workforce training, and develop innovative solutions to ensure safety and the seamless flow of air traffic. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia has rerouted approximately 41,000 flights in recent months, demonstrating the region’s agility, coordination, and commitment to maintaining operational continuity. Al-Duailej said the Middle East Green Initiative is a regional model for collaborative environmental action, and outlined several initiatives under GACA’s Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program, which support both national and international climate goals. The program includes carbon-neutral airports, such as Red Sea International Airport, which supplies sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to all operating airlines; an initiative to plant one million trees across airport sites by 2030; comprehensive waste sorting and recycling programs at major airports; and strategic partnerships with global organizations to promote best practices in environmental management. Al-Duailej also attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Jeddah Airports Company and Changi Airport Group, which aims to strengthen cooperation in key strategic areas, including enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, raising safety and security standards, expanding air connectivity, and sharing expertise in airport technologies and automation.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has released its June 2025 classification index for air transport service providers and airports, revealing insights into passenger complaints submitted directly to GACA to promote transparency, guide traveler decisions, and encourage service improvements across the aviation sector. A total of 1,370 passenger complaints were lodged against air carriers in June. flynas emerged as the top performer, recording the fewest complaints with 26 per 100,000 passengers and achieving a 100% on-time complaint resolution rate. Saudia Airlines ranked second with 32 complaints per 100,000 passengers, also maintaining a 100% resolution rate. flyadeal came third with 34 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a 100% timely resolution rate as well. The most common complaint categories for the month were flight-related issues, followed by baggage services and ticketing. In the airport classifications, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh demonstrated the lowest complaint rate among international airports handling over six million passengers annually, with just 0.4 per 100,000 passengers (15 complaints) and a 100% timely resolution rate. Abha International Airport led the category for international airports with less than six million annual passengers, recording the lowest complaint rate at 2 per 100,000 passengers, based on one complaint, and a 100% timely resolution rate. For domestic airports, King Saud Airport had the lowest complaint rate, also at 2 per 100,000 passengers with one complaint, and a 100% timely resolution rate. GACA emphasized that this monthly report provides travelers with crucial information on service provider performance in addressing customer complaints, empowering them to make informed decisions. It also highlights the authority’s commitment to transparency and dedication to resolving passenger concerns while fostering healthy competition among aviation entities to elevate service standards. To support its airport partners, GACA has developed and distributed a comprehensive booklet containing guidelines for handling passenger complaints, including specific controls and service level agreements. The authority also conducts workshops to train employees of national airlines and ground handling companies on complying with customer rights protection regulations.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released its monthly report today on the punctuality performance of airports and national carriers for June 2025, based on flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times. This report provides travelers with insights into the commitment of airlines and airports to maintaining timetables and support efforts to enhance service quality and improve passenger experience. The report highlights King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, AlUla International Airport, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha in the top rankings. Airports were categorized into five groups. In the category of international airports serving over 15 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured an 89% compliance rate. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam achieved 87% compliance in the category of international airports with five to 15 million passengers annually. Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk led with a 94% compliance rate for international airports with two to five million passengers. AlUla International Airport achieved 97% compliance in the category for international airports with fewer than two million passengers, while King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha achieved a perfect 100% compliance rate among domestic airports. At the airline level, Saudia Airlines recorded a 92% compliance rate for arrivals and 91% for departures. flynas achieved 89% for arrivals and 90% for departures, while flyadeal achieved 92% for arrivals and 93% for departures. The report also noted key domestic and international routes, highlighting that the Tabuk-Riyadh flight showed a 97% compliance rate in local traffic, and the Jeddah-Abu Dhabi flight led international routes with a 94% compliance rate. These efforts align with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading regional aviation hub by improving operational standards and service quality.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) released today its monthly report for June 2025, evaluating the performance of Saudi Arabia’s international and domestic airports based on 11 key performance indicators, in line with strategic directives to improve service quality and enhance the overall passenger experience across the Kingdom. In the category of international airports serving over 15 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top position with an 82% compliance rate, followed by King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with 73% compliance. In the second category of international airports handling between five and 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam ranked first with a 91% compliance rate. Although Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah also achieved 91%, King Fahd International Airport outperformed it in meeting overall compliance standards. Abha International Airport achieved first place in the third category, for international airports handling two to five million passengers annually, with a perfect 100% compliance rate, notably outperforming its competitors in average wait times for both departures and arrivals. In the fourth category of international airports handling under two million passengers annually, Arar International Airport secured first place with a 100% compliance rate, also excelling in average wait times. Al-Qurayyat Airport led the domestic airport category, achieving a 100% compliance rate and surpassing all competitors in combined average wait times for departures and arrivals. GACA’s rigorous airport performance evaluation system is based on 11 crucial criteria, primarily including passenger wait times at check-in, baggage claim, passport control, and customs. The evaluation also incorporates specific criteria related to services for persons with disabilities, along with several other benchmarks, all aligned with international best practices.