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The air transport movement in Saudi Arabia witnessed exceptional growth in 2024, achieving unprecedented record numbers in passenger traffic, which exceeded 128 million travelers across various airports in the Kingdom. This includes 59 million passengers on domestic flights and 69 million on international flights, marking a growth rate of 15% compared to 2023, and an increase of approximately 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the recovery of the air transport sector in the Kingdom from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) revealed in its air traffic performance report released today that the number of flights across Saudi airports in 2024 reached approximately 905,000, an 11% increase compared to 2023. This includes 474,000 domestic flights and 431,000 international flights. The scope of air connectivity saw a 16% increase, with Saudi Arabia now linked to over 170 destinations worldwide, with flights departing to and from the Kingdom. Additionally, air cargo witnessed exceptional growth, increasing by 34%, reaching over 1.2 million tons in 2024. Of this, 1.17 million tons were handled by the top three airports, including 573,000 tons at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, 461,000 tons at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and 140,000 tons at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The four main airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah accounted for 82% of the total air traffic, reflecting their vital role in the Kingdom's aviation network. The region also witnessed a significant increase in air traffic during the last Hajj season (May 9 - July 21), with 1.5 million pilgrims arriving for Hajj, representing 40% of the total number of international passengers during that period. According to the British company OAG, which specializes in flight data, the Jeddah-Riyadh route saw the largest increase in capacity globally among domestic routes in 2024, while the Cairo-Jeddah route became the second busiest international route worldwide. It is worth noting that the General Authority of Civil Aviation is the regulatory body for the air transport sector in Saudi Arabia. It is responsible for setting the sector's executive regulations, overseeing their implementation, and monitoring compliance with relevant authorities. This contributes to enhancing the quality of air transport services and improving the passenger experience. In line with its strategy, GACA is shaping the future of the sector to create a competitive and attractive investment environment, positioning it as a leader in the Middle East and globally, and contributing to the achievement of its objectives to double its capacity by 2030.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is participating in the Saudi House initiative during the World Economic Forum annual meeting 2025, which will be held from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland. The event is organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning with participation from various government entities. GACA will showcase the future of aviation through investment opportunities and incentives offered by the sector in Saudi Arabia, public-private partnerships for airport development, and the enhancement of aviation's position as a key driver supporting Saudi Vision 2030. The showcase will highlight the achievements of the aviation sector strategy and its global transformation. The authority will also introduce exceptional investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia launched through the aviation sector strategy, which aims to establish the Kingdom's aviation sector as an economic growth enabler, including the aviation status report. Mohammed bin Fahad Alkhuraisi, Vice President of Strategy & Business Intelligence at GACA, stated that during the Saudi House events, the authority will focus on investment opportunities in projects and incentives offered by the civil aviation sector in Saudi Arabia, aiming to attract investments exceeding $100 billion. These investments include airports, airlines, ground services, cargo, and logistics. Breaking down these investments: airports will receive more than $50 billion; new aircraft purchase orders amount to approximately $40 billion. The remaining $10 billion Is allocated for other projects, including $5 billion for establishing special logistics zones around the three main airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. "The Kingdom offers unprecedented global investment opportunities in the civil aviation sector, with the Saudi National Aviation Strategy aiming to double passenger numbers, connect the Kingdom to more than 250 destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers, and reach an air cargo volume of 4.5 million tons," Al-Khuraisi said. The Saudi House initiative, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning with participation from various government entities, will host several dialogue sessions to discuss the latest significant trends in social and economic transformation both locally and internationally. The Saudi House pavilion reflects the Kingdom's growing role and effective influence in the international arena, serving as a platform connecting entrepreneurs, change-makers, and innovators to present strategic visions on vital fields shaping our world's future.

A high-level Saudi-US Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable has discussed ways to enhance economic ties in the air mobility sector, explore partnership opportunities, and exchange expertise in the air mobility industry and relevant services. The meeting also highlighted the sector’s strategic programs and initiatives aimed at advancing air mobility in line with the highest global standards and the Saudi Vision 2030. Held in Riyadh, the meeting brought together executive officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), 12 US companies specializing in advanced air mobility operating in Saudi Arabia, and representatives from government entities and the private sector. Participants included the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Human Resources Development Fund, Advanced Electronics Company, Matarat Holding, and NEOM. The roundtable reviewed integrated logistics zones, the roadmap for advanced air mobility, and several successful trials conducted at multiple locations in the Kingdom. These include Saudi Arabia’s first successful vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flight in NEOM in June 2023 and the successful air taxi trial during the Hajj season of 1445 AH. Moreover, the discussion covered GACA’s role in developing the civil aviation industry, investment opportunities in the sector, and key strategic programs such as the aviation sector’s objectives under the Saudi Vision 2030, the transformation program, infrastructure improvements, airport services enhancement, and the expansion of the airport network, leveraging the Kingdom’s unique geographic location connecting three continents. The meeting also highlighted civil aviation sector initiatives in Saudi Arabia, available investment and collaboration opportunities, the localization of advanced air mobility manufacturing, and the development of human capital in the sector.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Air Transport and International Cooperation Sector, has received the internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS). This certification includes global standards for quality management. This achievement was possible through GACA’s adoption of policies and procedures that meet international standards. The Authority implemented continuous improvement principles and quality systems. GACA executed operations with efficiency and effectiveness. It distinguished itself in quality management. It also monitored performance and projects in the Air Transport and International Cooperation Sector. GACA demonstrated a commitment to high performance standards. It ensured integration between departments and facilitated the exchange of expertise with global authorities. The certification follows GACA’s fulfillment of the necessary criteria. These include conducting periodic internal reviews, analyzing gaps, implementing continuous improvement plans, cooperating with external audits from accredited bodies, adhering to quality standards, enhancing operational processes, improving service efficiency, ensuring sustainable development, and complying with international regulations in the air transport and international cooperation sectors. Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, Vice President of Air Transport and International Cooperation at GACA, explained that this certification reflects the Authority's ongoing efforts to provide integrated services. It contributes to institutional excellence, bolsters GACA’s position, and ensures adherence to the highest global standards in quality management and service delivery. He added that GACA continues to develop a highly efficient working environment. It relies on technology and electronic management in its processes and tasks. He affirmed GACA’s commitment to delivering services efficiently and effectively. These efforts align with the best global practices. The implementation of quality systems is a key objective of the National Aviation Sector Strategy and a fundamental pillar in achieving institutional excellence. The ISO 9001:2015 international standard is the most widely recognized quality management system in the world. It helps organizations meet customer expectations, monitor quality, manage operations, and improve business performance in many fields. This system elevates services to the highest quality standards.  

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Adulaziz Al-Duailej on Monday emphasized Saudi Arabia as a supporter of international efforts aimed at developing the civil aviation sector and enhancing its competitiveness and sustainability. During a ministerial roundtable at the fourth annual International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS25) in Abu Dhabi, Al-Duailej underscored the kingdom's commitment to promoting pertinent investment in innovation, technology, and advanced techniques. Running from February 10 to 12, the GISS25 brings together various ministers and leaders from global civil aviation organizations, alongside 1,500 representatives from ICAO member states.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia is opening the domestic private aviation market to international operators, by announcing the removal of cabotage restrictions for foreign on-demand charter flights within the Kingdom. The decision is part of GACA’s broader strategy to boost the private jet market, supported by the establishment of a sector development committee to engage international and domestic business jet operators. The new policy, effective May 1, 2025, will allow foreign charter operators to apply for permission to operate domestic flights, following specific requirements set by GACA. “GACA is unlocking new opportunities for the global aviation industry, by removing restrictions on charter flight businesses to operate domestically in the Kingdom,” said Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA. “This regulatory decision supports GACA’s roadmap to establish Saudi Arabia as a general aviation hub, alongside an unprecedented infrastructure program to establish new private airports and terminals across the Kingdom.” The removal of cabotage restrictions marks an important step in GACA’s strategy to enhance competition, attract foreign investment and provide greater flexibility for operators in the general aviation industry. Alongside this decision, GACA has announced a national General Aviation Sector Development committee to enhance Saudi Arabia’s proposition as a general aviation hub, including international private aviation investors, operators, and service providers. The committee will engage on infrastructure planning and regulatory processes, to enhance the Kingdom’s general aviation sector value proposition. GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap was launched during the Future Aviation Forum in May 2024, including a comprehensive transformation program to develop the general aviation sector into a $2 billion industry by 2030, supporting 35,000 jobs. The roadmap aligns infrastructure planning and regulations across the sector, delivering six dedicated business aviation airports and a further nine dedicated business aviation terminals. The Roadmap will also increase the number of business aviation Fixed-Base Operators and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul capacity for business jets. Saudi Arabia’s business jet sector achieved a record 24% jump in flight volumes in 2024 to 23,612 flights, with domestic jet flights rising 26% to 9,206 and international jet flights rising 15% to 14,406.