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he General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued today, Oct. 22, an index for the classification of air transport service providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority in September. GACA stated that the total number of complaints submitted by passengers against airlines in September amounted to 1,273. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was the least carrier complained about, with 29 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The state-run airline recorded a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. Flyadeal ranked second, with 29 complaints and a closure rate of 100%. Meanwhile, Flynas came third, with 31 complaints per 100,000 passengers, reporting a timely complaint closure rate of 100%. The most frequent complaints for September were about luggage, boarding services, then ticketing. For the same month, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reported the lowest complaints, at a rate of 0.3% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually. Only 11 complaints were submitted by travelers, with a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. Prince Naif International Airport was the least airport complained about, at a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually. It reported a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. For domestic reports, Arar Airport recorded the lowest complaints per 100,000 passengers with one complaint, or 3%, recording a timely complaint processing rate of 100%.

The Kingdom, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, participated yesterday in the work of the International Air Transport Services Negotiations Conference (ICAN 2024), organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), during the period October 21-25 in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, with the attendance of more than 80 countries.

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej announced today that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in search and rescue operations, proposing the designation of September 10 as "International Search and Rescue Day" and revealing a $200,000 donation from the Kingdom to support the initiative. Al-Duailej made his announcement during his opening speech at the 71st meeting of the International Satellite Search and Rescue Programme (COSPAS-SARSAT), hosted by the Kingdom from October 15 to 24 and held for the first time outside the founding countries of the program—US, France, Russia, and Canada. The meeting includes participants from 45 countries and organizations and is chaired by Henrik Smith, the current chairman of the COSPAS-SARSAT Program Council. Al-Duailej highlighted the Kingdom's pivotal role in global search and rescue efforts since joining the program in 2000. The Kingdom has developed advanced search and rescue capabilities, including the establishment of the Saudi Center for Search and Rescue Missions in Jeddah. The center now serves as a key regional hub, supporting search and rescue operations for seven neighboring countries: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, and Yemen. He underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System and the Autonomous Distress Tracking technology, ensuring full regulatory compliance by aircraft operators and rescue coordination centers. The Kingdom is also adapting to technological advancements, such as drones, to enhance aviation safety and efficiency. The president of GACA also announced that Saudi Arabia will host the Central and Southern Regions Meeting in Jeddah from February 24 to 27, 2025, which will offer specialized training workshops to strengthen the capabilities of search and rescue personnel in the region. He concluded by calling for increased cooperation among all participants to create a safer and more secure future in civil aviation globally. The Kingdom's active role in search and rescue, particularly through its satellite-based efforts, further establishes it as a significant player on the international stage.

he General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia for September. King Khalid International Airport, King Fahd International Airport, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Al-Ahsa airport and Gurayat Domestic Airport took the leading positions, as the airports were classified into five categories. Among international airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport took the first place with a compliance rate of 82%, followed with Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (73%). In the category of international airports with five to 15 million passengers annually, King Fahd International Airport led with a compliance rate of 91%. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport came second with a compliance rate of 91%. Among international airports with two to five million passengers annually, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan took the first place with a 100% compliance rate. Abha International Airport followed with a 100% compliance rate. In the category of international airports with less than two million passengers, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved 100% compliance, outperforming peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights. For domestic airports, Gurayat Domestic Airport came on top with a 100% compliance rate, surpassing peers in terms of total average waiting time for departure and arrival flights.

October 20, 2024 His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, met today with the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom, Mr. Andy Rodriguez Duran, at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they discussed topics of mutual interest and explored ways to enhance cooperation between the Kingdom and the Dominican Republic in the civil aviation sector.

October 19, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) held a workshop today to update its corporate strategy, with the participation of the Vice Presidents, Directors and sector officials at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Riyadh. The workshop reflects GACA's ongoing commitment to refining and realigning its strategy to enhance its role as an independent regulatory and oversight body. It aims to enable GACA to provide world-class regulatory services and develop innovative solutions for the benefit of the global aviation industry. Discussions covered various topics, including an analysis of the current situation and the updated provisions of the corporate strategy. Participants also explored ways to improve GACA's performance and strengthen its role in elevating the sector’s standards and increasing its competitiveness. The goal is to align with the aspirations of the leadership by investing in and developing the aviation sector to better serve citizens and travelers alike.