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The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has elected Eng. Mohammed bin Sami Habib, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the ICAO Council, as Chair of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Support Committee (TCC) for a one-year term. The election took place during the first meeting of the Council’s 236th session in Montreal, Canada. This appointment reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s prominent role and strategic influence within the International Civil Aviation Organization and the global civil aviation industry. The decision reflects the Council’s confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership in supporting capacity-building initiatives for member states to enhance compliance with international civil aviation standards, ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of the sector. It also highlights global trust in the capabilities and expertise of Saudi professionals. The ICAO Council serves as the organization’s permanent executive body, comprising 36 elected member states for a three-year term. It sets general policies, approves budgets, and makes decisions between sessions of the General Assembly. Among its key committees is the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Support Committee (TCC), which advises the Council on policies and programs related to technical cooperation, capacity building, and training.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has won two gold awards for “Best Government Contact Center” and “Best Customer Service” worldwide during its participation in the annual Contact Center World Conference held in Greece.  This international recognition highlights GACA's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience by streamlining complaint procedures and ensuring transparency in their handling, in line with the Passenger Rights Protection Regulations. It also underscores the authority’s efforts to raise awareness of passenger rights, provide multiple communication channels for beneficiaries, and ensure easy access to compensation as stipulated in the regulations.  General Manager of Beneficiary Care at GACA Eng. Faisal Alhobayb affirmed that the authority remains dedicated to delivering top-quality services to passengers and beneficiaries in accordance with the highest international standards. He emphasized that GACA continuously works to enhance communication with beneficiaries by diversifying and expanding its 24/7 communication channels and by employing advanced technologies to monitor operational performance, analyze feedback, and ensure the quality and efficiency of all services provided.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued its monthly report for September 2025 on the punctuality performance of airports and national carriers, measuring flights that depart or arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled times, providing travelers with a transparent overview of timetable adherence and supporting improvements to the overall passenger experience.  Evaluated across five categories based on passenger volume, 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 as top-ranked airports.  King Khalid International Airport ranked first among international airports handling more than 15 million passengers annually, with an on-time performance rate of 87%. In the category of international airports handling between 5 and 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport achieved first place with a 90% compliance rate. Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk topped the category for international airports handling between 2 and 5 million passengers annually, recording a 91% on-time performance rate. AlUla International Airport ranked first among international airports handling fewer than 2 million passengers annually, with a 97% compliance rate. Meanwhile, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Baha achieved first place among domestic airports, registering a perfect 100% on-time performance rate.  At the airline level, Saudia Airlines achieved on-time performance rates of 89% for arrivals and 86% for departures. While flynas recorded 84% for arrivals and 85% for departures, flyadeal led with 91% for arrivals and 93% for departures.  The GACA report also highlighted key domestic and international routes, noting that the domestic Tabuk–Riyadh flight achieved a 95% on-time performance rate among domestic flights, while the Riyadh–Doha route led international operations with 94%.  These efforts align with the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional aviation hub by improving operational standards, enhancing efficiency, and elevating the quality of passenger services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued its monthly report on the performance of the Kingdom’s domestic and international airports for September 2025, based on 11 key indicators and aligned with strategic directives to enhance services and elevate the passenger experience across the Kingdom.  Airports were grouped into five categories, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh taking first place in the international airports category handling more than 15 million passengers annually, with a compliance rate of 82%. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah ranked second, also with an 82% compliance rate, though King Khalid International Airport outperformed it in meeting the required standards.  In the category of international airports handling five to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam led with a 91% compliance rate. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah matched the same rate, though King Fahd International Airport scored higher in meeting the required standards.  In the third category, covering international airports handling between two and five million passengers annually, Abha International Airport ranked first with a 100% compliance rate, outperforming competitors in overall average departure and arrival waiting times. In the fourth category, for airports with fewer than two million passengers annually, Qaisumah International Airport also secured first place with a 100% compliance rate, leading its peers in average waiting times for departures and arrivals.  GACA's airport performance evaluation relies on 11 crucial criteria, including passenger waiting times during travel procedures, time spent at baggage claim, passport control and customs areas, and standards for passengers with disabilities, in accordance with global best practices.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with His Excellency Mr. Omar Hisham Al-Husari, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport in the Syrian Arab Republic, at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, both sides reviewed topics of mutual interest and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various areas that contribute to exchanging expertise, strengthening integration between the two countries, and providing all forms of technical and advisory support related to the civil aviation sector.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has earned the Level 3 “Innovation” Certification from the Global Innovation Institute (GInI) for its innovative “Queue Management System.” This international recognition highlights GACA’s leadership in institutional innovation and reflects its continued efforts to advance digital transformation and enhance passenger experience across Saudi airports. The achievement marks a new milestone in GACA’s journey to promote a culture of innovation through a comprehensive strategy, strengthening research and development within the civil aviation sector. It also demonstrates the integration and joint efforts of GACA’s departments in achieving the objectives of the Aviation Program, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, in the areas of excellence, innovation, and digital transformation. Obtaining this certification represents international recognition of GACA’s capability to design and implement innovative solutions that deliver real impact and improve the quality of services provided to beneficiaries. It also reaffirms GACA’s alignment with global best practices and standards in institutional innovation and development. The Global Innovation Institute (GInI) is the world’s leading authority for innovation accreditation and certification, known for its rigorous standards and global network of certified experts. The institute aims to enhance organizational performance in innovation and strengthen their ability to design and implement creative, high-impact solutions. This global certification reinforces GACA’s international credibility and leadership across the aviation sector. It enhances the Authority’s reputation both locally and globally and boosts partner and stakeholder confidence in the quality and effectiveness of its initiatives and innovations.