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The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today issued the classification index for air transport service providers and airports, based on the number of complaints submitted by travelers to the authority during March 2025. GACA clarified that the number of passenger complaints regarding airlines totaled 965. It noted that flynas had the fewest complaints, with 19 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a and a complaint resolution rate of 100% within the specified timeframe for March. Following in second place was Saudia, with 19 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a 99% resolution rate within the timeframe. flyadeal came in third with 30 complaints per 100,000 passengers, and a 100% resolution rate within the specified timeframe. The most frequently reported issues in March were related to baggage services, followed by ticketing and boarding services. The authority also highlighted that King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had the fewest complaints in the index for international airports handling more than 6 million passengers annually, with 1% per 100,000 passengers, equating to 16 complaints and a 100% resolution rate. Moreover, Taif International Airport recorded the fewest complaints in the index for international airports with fewer than 6 million annual passengers, with 1% per 100,000 passengers, equivalent to one complaint, and a 100% resolution rate. In the domestic airports index, Arar Airport reported the lowest complaint rate as well, with 3% per 100,000 passengers, amounting to one complaint, and a 100% resolution rate. GACA emphasized that the publication of the monthly report on the classification of air transport service providers and airports (based on complaints submitted to the authority) aims to provide travelers with information on the performance of service providers and airports in addressing customer complaints. This enables travelers to choose the most suitable service provider while also enhancing transparency, demonstrating the authority’s commitment to handling passenger complaints, and fostering fair competition among service providers to improve services. To support its airport partners, GACA has prepared a booklet containing guidelines on how to handle passenger complaints at airports. The booklet was distributed to airport operators and includes regulations and service level agreements to be adhered to for all types of complaints and inquiries. Additionally, training workshops have been organized for employees of national airlines and ground services companies, who have direct contact with passengers, to ensure compliance with the Executive Regulations for the Protection of Customer Rights. It is worth noting that GACA has provided multiple communication channels around the clock to ensure interaction with travelers and airport visitors through the following contact channels: the Unified Call Center (1929), WhatsApp service at 0115253333, social media accounts, email, and the official website. These channels receive complaints related to boarding passes, employee behavior, services for people with disabilities, limited mobility, and other issues.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) held its 16th Steering Committee Meeting for Activating the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), with the attendance of H.E. Ahmed Al-Hassan, the Assistant Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, along with Vice Presidents, CEOs, officials, and managers representing companies and national carriers operating in the civil aviation sector in Saudi Arabia. In his address, H.E. the President of GACA highlighted the sustained growth of Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector. Passenger numbers reached 34.9 million during the first quarter of 2025, marking an 8.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The sector also demonstrated operational excellence during the Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr seasons, with airports across the Kingdom handling more than 6.8 million domestic and international passengers. This performance reflects the strong coordination between government and private entities, contributing to the sector’s continued momentum following the record-breaking achievements of 2024. H.E. the President of GACA emphasized the importance of early preparations for the Hajj season, highlighting the need to intensify efforts, provide comprehensive facilities, and mobilize human and technical resources to serve the guests of Allah and to ensure their comfort, safety and peace of mind. H.E. also affirmed the valuable support provided by the wise leadership in harnessing all efforts, capabilities, and resources to serve pilgrims and facilitate the performance of their rituals with ease and reassurance. The meeting also reviewed major achievements in the aviation sector, including the securing by four major airports in Saudi Arabia of advanced rankings in the Skytrax 2025 Awards, across various categories. Additionally, 22 airports operated by the Cluster2 company obtained Airport Carbon Accreditation, ranking the Kingdom first in the Middle East and second in Asia in terms of the number of accredited airports. Furthermore, the Saudi Group topped global airline rankings for on-time performance for March, according to the latest Cirium Aviation Analytics report. Riyadh Air received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), paving the way for the launch later this year of its scheduled flights to and from Saudi Arabia's airports. The first batch of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) also arrived at Red Sea International Airport, enabling Fly Red Sea to operate flights with low carbon emissions. Additionally, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport saw the inauguration in March of its electronic gates service. Moreover, GACA launched its new integrated digital platform “Ajwaa”, while unveiling its new corporate identity and launching a redesigned official website. These moves reflected the dynamic transformation of the Kingdom’s aviation sector and its vital role in supporting national economic growth, while contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. GACA also announced the launch of a tender this month for the operation of on-demand private aircraft flights. Other topics discussed at the meeting included updates regarding the activation of the National Aviation Sector Strategy, progress made on the recommendations of the 15th Steering Committee meeting, the achievements of national companies and carriers operating in Saudi Arabia's airports, and their alignment with the overall aviation strategy. As part of the committee’s 16th meeting, GACA awarded the economic license to Swissport for ground handling services. This step aims to enhance service levels for passengers and is part of Swissport’s expansion plan, which now includes operations at Taif International Airport, Abha International Airport, Hail International Airport, Al Jawf Airport, Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz Airport, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport, and King Abdullah International Airport. It is worth noting that the National Strategy for the Aviation Sector aims to double the sector’s capacity to more than 330 million passengers annually from over 250 global destinations. It also seeks to increase cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons of goods by 2030.  

The President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, today inaugurated the Mobile Cybersecurity Awareness Exhibition at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh. The exhibition is organized by GACA in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), and was attended by the Governor of the NCA, Eng. Majid bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, along with several officials and members of the civil aviation sector. The two-day exhibition aims to strengthen the values of national security, raise awareness of cybersecurity, and promote a strong cybersecurity culture among members of the civil aviation ecosystem. It also seeks to help mitigate evolving cyber risks and foster greater collaboration between national entities in the field of cybersecurity. The exhibition features four interactive zones designed to enrich the experience of participants. These zones highlight key cybersecurity concepts and their national importance, shed light on behaviors that help prevent cyber threats, and utilize engaging tools such as live simulations of cyberattacks targeting individuals and organizations. In addition, the exhibition offers expert advice and practical cybersecurity guidance focused on best practices in the workplace to help reduce exposure to cyber threats. The Mobile Cybersecurity Awareness Exhibition is part of a broader national awareness initiative led by the National Cybersecurity Authority. It reflects a collaborative approach among government entities to boost cybersecurity awareness, instill a culture of safeguarding national security, and support efforts aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across the Kingdom.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today launched its monthly report tracking airport and national carrier flight punctuality for March 2025, measuring arrivals and departures within a 15-minute window of scheduled times. The report offers passengers transparent insights into airline and airport scheduling compliance, with the aim of improving service quality, raising standards, and enhancing the overall passenger experience. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Abha International Airport, AlUla International Airport, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al Baha, Dawadmi Airport, and Turaif Airport, all achieved leading positions. The report divides airports into five categories, with King Khalid International Airport topping the first—international airports serving over 15 million passengers annually—achieving a 93% compliance rate. In the second category—international airports serving 5 to 15 million passengers annually—King Fahd International Airport in Dammam ranked first with a 93% compliance rate. In the third category—international airports serving 2 to 5 million passengers annually—Abha International Airport ranked first with a 95% compliance rate. In the fourth category—international airports serving fewer than two million passengers annually—AlUla International Airport ranked first with a 97% compliance rate. In the fifth category—domestic airports—King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport, Dawadmi Airport, and Turaif Airport each recorded a 100% compliance rate. Among national carriers, Saudia led with a 95% on-time arrival rate and 94% for departures. Flynas followed with 91% for arrivals and 91% for departures, and flyadeal achieved 91% for arrivals and 94% for departures. The report also highlights top-performing routes, with the Riyadh–Abha domestic flight achieving 98% compliance, while the Riyadh–Amman route ranked first among international flights with a 99% compliance rate. These GACA initiatives support Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading regional aviation hub by enhancing operational standards, efficiency, and passenger services.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) today issued its monthly report on the performance of the Kingdom's domestic and international airports for March 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 Jazan, Al-Ahsa 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 73% compliance. In the second category for international airports with 5 to 15 million annual passengers, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam secured first place with 91% compliance, while Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah recorded 82% compliance. In the third category for international airports with 2 to 5 million annual passengers, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan ranked first with 100% compliance, followed by Abha International Airport with 100% compliance, with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Jazan outperforming Abha International Airport in meeting performance standards. In the fourth category, for international airports with fewer than two million passengers annually, Al-Ahsa International Airport secured first place with 100% compliance, outperforming all competitors in average waiting times for arriving and departing flights. In the fifth category for domestic airports, Al-Qurayyat Airport secured first place with 100% compliance, outperforming all competitors in average waiting times for arriving and departing flights. GACA evaluates airport performance based on 11 key indicators, including passenger wait times at check-in, baggage claim, passport control and customs, as well as standards for travelers with disabilities. The criteria are designed to align with global best practices.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) concluded its participation in the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025), which took place April 14 to 17 in Doha, Qatar. The conference, titled "Facilitating the Future of Air Transport: Cooperation, Efficiency, and Inclusiveness," was organized by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in collaboration with ICAO. It saw participation from 190 countries, along with over 120 transport ministers and heads of civil aviation authorities from across the world. GACA’s involvement aligns with the goal of strengthening international collaboration and advancing regulations related to air transport. This includes fostering innovation, sharing ideas, deliberating on the future of air transport facilities, and examining the most recent advancements in air transport facilitation.