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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today issued its monthly report on the performance of the Kingdom's domestic and international airports for January 2025, based on 11 key performance indicators. The report aligns with GACA's strategic directions to improve services provided to passengers, raise service quality, and enhance the passenger experience at the Kingdom's airports. The report ranked King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan, Arar International Airport, and Al-Gurayat Airport among the top-performing airports. Airports were categorized into five groups. In the first category for international airports with more than 15 million annual passengers, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh ranked first with 82% compliance, surpassing King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which came second with 82% compliance, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh outperforming King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in meeting performance standards. In the second category for international airports with 5 to 15 million annual passengers, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam secured first place with 82% compliance, while Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport recorded 73% compliance. In the third category for international airports with two to five million annual passengers, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan ranked first with 100% compliance, followed by Abha International Airport with 100% compliance, with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jizan outperforming Abha International Airport in meeting performance standards. In the fourth category for international airports with fewer than two million annual passengers, Arar International Airport ranked first with 100% compliance, outperforming other airports in average waiting times for arrival and departure flights. In the fifth category for domestic airports, Al-Gurayat Airport secured first place with 100% compliance, surpassing all competing airports in average waiting times for arrival and departure flights. GACA's airport performance evaluation relies on 11 key performance indicators, including passenger waiting times during travel procedures, time spent at baggage claim, immigration and customs areas, and standards related to passengers with disabilities, in accordance with the best global practices.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by its General Administration of General Aviation, organized a workshop in Riyadh as part of its efforts to boost international investment in the general aviation sector. More than 30 representatives participated from leading aircraft manufacturers, maintenance service providers, and ground services companies, along with representatives from the Kingdom's general aviation airports and the Ministry of Investment. The workshop seeks to attract investment to the Kingdom's general aviation market, focusing on maintenance, airport operations, and ground services sectors. It explores the latest strategic developments and promising investment opportunities in general aviation, while addressing key challenges and opportunities in this vital sector. It also examines ways to develop airport infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency, contributing to sector growth and sustainability. Furthermore, it highlights key achievements in facilitating procedures, which led to a 24% increase in general aviation traffic in 2024. During the workshop, the Director General of General Aviation at GACA, Eng. Imtiaz Manzari, stated that this event's objective is to showcase investment opportunities to foreign companies in maintenance, airport operations, and ground services sectors, with the attendance of leading airport operators in the Kingdom. He stressed that GACA is committed to creating an incentivizing business environment to attract international investors and establish the Kingdom's position as a global general aviation hub. This step aligns with the Kingdom's strategic objectives to boost its global competitiveness. As the sector continues its significant expansion, GACA maintains its efforts to develop an attractive investment climate that helps achieve general aviation roadmap objectives. The workshop serves as an important dialogue platform between government entities, companies, and foreign investors, highlighting the Kingdom's strategic directions and its efforts to enhance its competitive capability as a global general aviation hub. It also spotlights the investment incentives offered by the Kingdom and the supporting legislation aimed at attracting major specialized companies in aviation services, maintenance, and operations.

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej yesterday inaugurated the new Jeddah headquarters of Nera, a leading company in technology and innovation solutions. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, Nera board chairman Bandar Al-Mohanna, board members, and executive leadership. Al-Duailej toured the facility, including the state-of-the-art Digital Hub, which is equipped with the latest technologies to enhance Nera’s ability to provide innovative digital solutions for its clients. The GACA president emphasized that the establishment of Nera represents a significant addition to the aviation sector, aiming to meet both local and international industry needs through cutting-edge solutions. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in aviation technology and innovation.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), hosted the South Central Distribution Information Region (SCDDR) meeting, along with the accompanying training workshop, held from February 24 to 27, 2025, in Jeddah. The meeting was chaired by the Spanish center, as the supervisor of the South Central Distribution Information Region (SCDDR), with participation from representatives of international Search and Rescue Mission Centers (MCCs) located within the region, including the Saudi, Emirati, Qatari, Algerian, Nigerian, and Togolese centers. Additionally, representatives from the International Program Secretariat (COSPAS-SARSAT) were present. The meeting discussed performance efficiency reports for the systems and devices of the International Search and Rescue Mission Centers (MCCs) within the region. It also provided participants with updates on technical, operational, and administrative developments, as well as an overview of the future directions of the program in the field of satellite-based search and rescue through the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program. Furthermore, the meeting reviewed the results and recommendations, which will be presented to the International Program’s Joint Committee in its next session for review and approval. These will then be documented in the program's records and submitted to the Program Council for appropriate action. The meeting was accompanied by a training workshop aimed at enhancing knowledge of the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program, improving the technical and operational understanding of handling distress signals, and strengthening collaboration to develop search and rescue services, as well as sharing best practices. Representatives from several countries within the service area of the Saudi Mission Control Center (SAMCC) participated in the workshop. Additionally, representatives from government entities involved in search and rescue and equipped with terminal devices from the Saudi Arabian Satellite Search and Rescue Mission Center (SAMCC) attended. These entities included the Royal Saudi Air Force, the General Directorate of Border Guards, and the National Operations Center of the Ministry of Interior.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Riyadh recently hosted a regional seminar on "Privatization of Airport Security Services and the Single Security Checkpoint: Opportunities and Challenges." This event was organized in collaboration with the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, the European Civil Aviation Conference, and the African Civil Aviation Commission. Running from February 24-26, 2025, the seminar gathered over 120 experts and specialists in aviation security, representing 55 countries across the Arab, African, and European regions, alongside key players from the aviation industry and regional organizations. The primary goal of the seminar was to create a space for dialogue and the exchange of experiences between countries from the Arab, African, and European regions on privatizing airport security services and implementing the "Single Security Checkpoint" concept. The discussions also focused on improving the efficiency of security operations, cutting costs, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. The seminar featured several panel discussions led by international experts in aviation security. These sessions delved into the opportunities and challenges of privatizing aviation security functions and introducing the single security checkpoint. On the first day, the seminar highlighted both current and emerging threats to civil aviation security. Topics covered included the key aspects of privatizing aviation security, the challenges faced after privatization, the opportunities presented by the single security checkpoint, and the importance of ensuring the equivalence of security measures across regions. Additionally, the seminar emphasized the need for building capacity and fostering stronger international and regional cooperation in civil aviation security.  

President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej emphasized that Saudi Arabia's national aviation strategy is designed to enhance the sector's capabilities, aligning with global trends to meet the demands of national tourism and economic development.  Speaking at the Aerospace Connect Forum in Jeddah, President Al-Duailej highlighted that the national strategy aims to expand the number of airlines, establish advanced maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centers, increase aircraft fleet capacity, and strengthen human capital and infrastructure to drive sector growth. These objectives align with Vision 2030, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global aviation hub.  He underscored that to support this vision, GACA has launched key initiatives to develop the aviation manufacturing sector and supply chains. One of the most significant projects is the Maintenance and Repair Village (MRO) in Jeddah, inaugurated in December 2023, covering an area of one million square meters. The facility includes a state-of-the-art jet propulsion center, enhancing Saudi Aerospace Engineering's capabilities in servicing new-generation wide- and narrow-body aircraft engines for regional airlines.  Another major initiative, according to President Al-Duailej, is the establishment of Integrated Special Logistics Zones, introduced in October 2022, which provide competitive incentives, including a 50-year income tax exemption. These zones, launched with Apple as a key investor, also feature a unified center for approving light manufacturing and repair operations, as well as trade distribution companies.  President Al-Duailej stressed the importance of continuing to develop local aviation expertise, noting that GACA’s human capital development strategy estimates that Saudi Arabia's aviation sector will require 274,000 direct jobs by 2030—a 2.6-fold increase from the current 104,000 jobs. He reaffirmed the commitment to building a strong and sustainable aviation industry, ensuring the Kingdom remains at the forefront of global aviation development.