News

This news article is available only in the Arabic version.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, extended—on his behalf and on behalf of all the sector’s employees—his heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister (may God protect them both), and to the honorable Saudi people on the occasion of the 94th National Day under the theme "We Dream and Achieve." He stated: "Our beloved homeland celebrates the 94th Saudi National Day, a day that marks the unification and development initiated by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman (may God have mercy on him). This journey of giving and growth continues in our present era, which is empowered by diverse objectives and ambitions, under a wise leadership that has built a glorious legacy with the efforts of generations, advancing our country’s development phase to become—praise be to God—a global destination on all fronts and a world leader economically and developmentally." He added: "These unprecedented achievements were accomplished, by God’s grace, and through meticulous planning and construction, resulting in comprehensive outputs and objectives that contributed to a prosperous and diversified economy." His Excellency Al-Duailej also noted the great support that the aviation and air transport sector receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince (may God protect them both). He explained that the sector has achieved record-breaking numbers and unprecedented accomplishments in economic and social development, as well as global leadership across various levels. These include launching several developmental projects such as the master plan for King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, the master plan for Abha International Airport, the opening of Red Sea International Airport, the development and expansion project of Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the opening of the development and expansion project of Al-Ahsa International Airport, the inauguration of the new international departure terminal at Taif International Airport, the launch of the autonomous air taxi experience for the first time during the Hajj season, and granting the first operational license to use drones for building cleaning. This reflects the authority’s commitment to enabling safe and innovative advanced air mobility solutions. The authority also launched the Knowledge Testing Center for aviation employees and the first phase of the electronic gates at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. His Excellency Al-Duailej concluded by praying to Almighty God to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and to continue to bestow upon our country the blessings of security, safety, prosperity, well-being, glory, and elevation.

His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, met today with His Excellency Dr. Haitham Saleh Abu Al-Foul, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Kingdom, at the authority’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they reviewed topics of mutual interest and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the field of civil aviation.

September 21, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) participated on Friday in the activities of the Summit of the Future, which was organized by the United Nations. The summit aims to adopt a unified global vision for the future, with participation of UN member states, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the private sector, and youth. GACA's participation included organizing a virtual session on the sidelines of the summit, titled "Youth Development in the Civil Aviation Sector," in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This marks GACA's first participation in UN events, and its proposal was approved among 40 other activities out of 400 proposals submitted by various countries. The participation comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to support and empower youth in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and to highlight GACA's role in training and qualifying young cadres to contribute to the civil aviation sector. In his speech, the GACA president, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, said that estimates indicate that there will be a need for 284,000 new pilots in the next ten years, and there is also a demand for Maintenance professionals. In Saudi Arabia, the aviation sector is expected to create about 279,000 direct jobs by 2030, which represents an increase of approximately 300% over the current 73,000 jobs. He added: "Youth constitute more than 60% of Saudi Arabia's population, and this energy is exactly what we need to drive innovation and ensure the sector's sustainability. The Saudi Vision 2030 focuses on youth development, and aviation is one of the key sectors in which we invest heavily through education, training, and professional development. The United Nations will hold the "Summit of the Future" on September 22 and 23, with the participation of world leaders as part of the high-level week of the General Assembly. The summit aims to update and activate UN institutions to keep pace with the rapid changes and challenges of the 21st century. The summit was preceded by preparatory action days, September 20 and 21, with the aim of creating additional opportunities to engage all stakeholders.

September 20, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its August report on the performance of domestic and international airports in Saudi Arabia. Airports are assessed based on 11 operational performance standards, which align with strategic objectives to enhance services and ensure a seamless traveller experience at Kingdom airports. The report highly ranked King Khalid International Airport, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Abha International Airport, Al-Ahsa International Airport, and Gurayat Airport. GACA categorizes airports for performance evaluation based on annual passenger numbers, ensuring a transparent approach. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh secured the top spot in the category of airports with more than 15 million passengers annually, with an 82% compliance rate. Following closely behind was King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 82%. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport tied for first place in the category of international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually, with a 91% compliance rate. King Fahad International Airport followed with an 82% compliance rate. In the 2 to 5 million annual passenger category, Abha International Airport and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jizan demonstrated a 100% compliance rate. However, Abha International Airport outperformed King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport by surpassing higher targets in the specified evaluation criteria. In the category of less than 2 million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport achieved a 100% compliance rate, outperforming its competitors regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. Gurayat Airport came first in the domestic airport category, with a 100% compliance rate. It outperformed all competing airports regarding average waiting time for departing and arriving flights. GACA evaluates airport performance through operational performance standards focused on critical passenger touchpoints. These include check-in, security, passport control, customs, baggage claim, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). These metrics ensure a seamless and efficient travel experience for all passengers and are aligned with international best practices. In support of its airport partners, GACA prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to deal with traveler complaints. The booklet, which has been circulated among airport operators, sets out service agreements and the rules that must be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries. Through regularly held workshops, the authority trains employees of national airlines and ground service companies that deal directly with travelers on how to comply with passenger protection regulations.

September 19, 2024 The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued its monthly classification for air transport service providers “to give passengers information about the performance of air transport service providers and airports. The assessment was based on the number of complaints filed with GACA by travelers during August 2024. According to GACA, 1,505 complaints were filed by travelers on Saudi air carriers in August. SAUDIA Airlines had the fewest complaints among airlines, 13 per 100,000 travelers, and a complaint resolution rate of 100%. Flynas was second, with 17 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. Flyadeal was third with 23 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%. The most common complaints in August were about luggage, flights, and tickets. According to the index, among international airports with more than 6 million passengers annually, King Khalid International Airport had the fewest complaints, at five per 100,000 travelers, and a resolution rate of 100%. Among international airports with less than 6 million passengers annually, Abha International Airport had the fewest complaints, two per 100,000 travelers, and a resolution rate of 100%. Among domestic airports, Bisha Airport had the fewest complaints, one per 100,000 passengers, and a resolution rate of 100%. GACA reiterated that the monthly classification report aims to help passengers make informed choices, promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travelers' complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services. According to the authority, it keeps multiple communication channels open around the clock to enable interaction with travelers and airport visitors. They are: Unified Call Center number 1929, WhatsApp service at 0115253333, email: gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa, social-media accounts, and GACA's website. Among the complaints the authority receives through these channels are those concerning boarding passes, employee behavior, and services for persons with disabilities and limited mobility.